By Benita M. Dodd
“Highway robbery” brings to mind the romantic legend of Robin Hood and his Merry Men, a righteous group that “stole from the rich to give to the poor.” It’s also what happens when law enforcement agencies embrace…
A well-functioning criminal justice system enforces order and respect for every person’s right to property and life, and ensures liberty does not lead to license. Accountability metrics should include reduced crime rates and recidivism, victim restitution and conserving taxpayer dollars. Prosecutions should be reserved for blameworthy conduct, not wielded to grow government or undermine economic freedom.
Reforming Policing While Preserving Law Enforcement
There are good policies worth pursuing that will enhance accountability for law enforcement and judicial systems while respecting the difficult nature of the work required of these positions.
Cato Institute – Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement
Enforcing criminal laws to secure the rights of all inhabitants is perhaps the most fundamental function of a government. Unfortunately, the U.S. criminal justice system has become a conviction manufacturing machine divorced from the basic tenets of justice.
The Heritage Foundation – Crime & Justice
Over the past 40 years, federal criminal law has exploded in size and scope while deteriorating in quality. The Heritage Foundation is working to build an America where freedom, opportunity, prosperity and civil society flourish.
U.S. Department of Justice
The U.S. DOJ works to enforce the law and defend the interests of the United States according to the law; to ensure public safety against threats foreign and domestic; to provide federal leadership in preventing and controlling crime; to seek just punishment for those guilty of unlawful behavior; and to ensure fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans.
National Criminal Justice Reference Service
The National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS) is a federally funded resource offering justice and drug-related information to support research, policy and program development worldwide.
Federal Judiciary – U.S. Court System
The U.S. Courts were created under Article III of the Constitution to administer justice fairly and impartially, within the jurisdiction established by the Constitution and Congress.
Federal Judicial Center
The Federal Judicial Center is the research and education agency of the judicial branch of the U.S. government. The Center supports the efficient, effective administration of justice and judicial independence.
FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program
The UCR Program's primary objective is to generate reliable information for use in law enforcement administration, operation, and management; over the years, however, the data have become one of the country’s leading social indicators.
Federal Bureau of Investigation
To protect the American people and uphold the Constitution of the United States, the FBI is an intelligence-driven agency that works to stay ahead of the threat through leadership, agility, and integration.
Federal Bureau of Justice Statistics
The BJS collects, analyzes and disseminates information on crime, criminal offenders, victims of crime, and the operation of justice systems at all levels of government. These data are critical to federal, state and local policymakers in combating crime and ensuring justice is efficient and evenhanded.
Georgia Bureau of Investigation
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is an independent, statewide agency that provides assistance to the state's criminal justice system in the areas of criminal investigations, forensic laboratory services and computerized criminal justice information.
Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice
The DJJ serves the state's youthful offenders up to the age of 21, working diligently to effect justice as well as redirect and shape these young lives so they can take responsibility for their conduct and become contributing members of society.
Georgia Department of Corrections
The Georgia Department of Corrections protects the public by operating safe and secure facilities through the development of professional staff and effective offender management.
Criminal Justice Coordinating Council
The CJCC financially and programmatically supports innovative programs and services to improve criminal justice and empower victims in the state of Georgia.
State Board of Pardons and Paroles
The State Board of Pardons and Paroles is constitutionally authorized to grant paroles, pardons, reprieves, remissions, commutations, and to restore civil and political rights.
Policing for Profit – Abuse of Civil Asset Forfeiture
Civil forfeiture laws pose some of the greatest threats to property rights in the nation today, too often making it easy and lucrative for law enforcement to take and keep property—regardless of the owner’s guilt or innocence.
Georgia Council on Criminal Justice Reform
The Council conducts comprehensive reviews of criminal laws and procedures, prison management, juvenile justice issues, and other matters relating to criminal proceedings and accountability of the courts.
Right on Crime
The conservative approach to criminal justice: fighting crime, supporting victims, and protecting taxpayers.
Civil Asset Forfeiture in 60 Seconds
You can lose your property and money, even if you haven't done anything wrong. Seizing profits from criminal activity is a centuries old practice, but better oversight is needed to determine whether civil asset forfeitures are properly applied to gains from actual illegal actions.
