… For years, reformers have focused on two problems with the United States’ approach to incarceration: First, an unusually large number of Americans are in incarcerated compared with other nations. Second, reformers charge that our criminal justice system is too often unfair and inequitable.
Incarceration reform is unusual in today’s politics in showing signs of nascent bipartisan congressional action. But given the depths of congressional dysfunction and gridlock, and with a high-stakes election looming, that bipartisanship seems more likely to wither on the vine than bear fruit unless strong public pressure helps push progress along. Whatever happens with Congress and federal policy, there exist real opportunities today to see renewed attention and action on incarceration at the state level. CONT.
Public Agenda