Current Criminal Justice System Policy Reform Movements: The Problem of Unintended Consequences

Authors

Robert D. Crutchfield, University of WashingtonFollow

Abstract

The history of criminal justice reform in the United States has numerous examples of both good and negative consequences. Frequently the latter have been unintended and unexpected. In this article, I point to several potential unintended consequences of the current, bipartisan push for criminal justice reform and how they may be exacerbated by the failure of policy makers to heed the knowledge of both academic criminologists and criminal justice system practitioners. Criminal justice reform can minimize the possibility of unintended negative consequences by using this knowledge and by following time honored principles of justice.

Recommended Citation

Robert D. Crutchfield, Current Criminal Justice System Policy Reform Movements