Publication

 July 2014

Recalibrating Justice A Review of 2013 State Sentencing and Corrections Trends

Overview

In 2013, 35 states passed at least 85 bills to change some aspect of how their criminal justice systems address sentencing and corrections. These bills largely eschew the tough-on-crime policies of the past, and reflect the gathering momentum for criminal justice reform in the United States. In reviewing this legislative activity, the Vera Institute of Justice found that policy changes have focused mainly on the following five areas:

  • reducing prison populations and costs;
  • expanding or strengthening community-based corrections;
  • implementing risk and needs assessments;
  • supporting offender reentry into the community; and
  • making better informed criminal justice policy through data-driven research and analysis.

By providing concise summaries of representative legislation in each area, this report aims to be a practical guide for policymakers in other states and the federal government looking to enact similar changes in criminal justice policy.

Key Takeaway

After four decades of enacting touch-on-crime policies, states are now shifting toward reforms that reduce incarceration and provide additional support for reducing recidivism. Increasing the effectiveness of correctional systems—in terms of cost and outcome—has now taken precedence over retribution and punishment.

Publication Highlights

  • A growing body of research shows that carefully implemented and well-targeted community-based programs can produce better outcomes for lower costs than incarceration. 

  • From appalling incarceration numbers, budgetary crises, and greater public knowledge, momentum for reform is shifting the discussion on crime from punishment to rehabilitation and long-term public safety. 

  • The tide seems to be turning: From 2006-2012, 19 states reduced their prison populations—six states by double digits. Since 2000, at least 29 states modified or repealed mandatory sentencing policies.

Key Facts

The U.S. prison population has grown 700% since the 1970s.
Approximately 581,000 men and women were released from state prison into their communities in 2012.
By January 1, 2013, the number of persons confined to state prisons surpassed 1.3 million —and total state correctional expenditures topped $53.3 billion in fiscal year 2012.
Despite large increases in incarceration rates and corrections budgets, recidivism (return to prison within three years) has stagnated at 40 percent.