Rethinking Mandatory Minimum Sentences
Leniency and flexibility in sentencing could give more Americans a chance.
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.
Don’t Train Kids to be Felons in Adult Jails
The noted “tough on crime” criminologist John Dilulio once commented that “jailing youth with adult felons under Spartan conditions will merely produce more street gladiators.”
Criminal Justice Reform Unshackles Georgians
Leadership and good policy put Georgia in the lead in criminal justice reform.
The Future Path of The Supreme Court
By Hans von Spakovsky
Hans von Spakovsky
The sudden, unexpected death of Justice Antonin Gregory Scalia is a tragedy not just for his extensive family and many friends, but for the Supreme Court, the nation and all those who believe…
Judge Michael P. Boggs keynotes the Foundation’s February Leadership Breakfast
Judge Michael P. Boggs keynotes the Foundation's February Leadership Breakfast, "Georgia Criminal Justice Reform: Looking Ahead, Staying Ahead".
2016 Recommendations from the Criminal Justice Reform Council
The Georgia Council on Criminal Justice Reform has released its 2016 Report, which provides a summary of progress to date and a list of recommendations. Below are excerpts from the report’s executive summary.
It is often said that the states are…
Friday Facts: February 5, 2016
MARTA rail expansion, education and money and welfare work requirements.
Criminal Justice Reform Leader Judge Michael P. Boggs Keynotes Feb. 17 Event
EVENT INVITATION January 26, 2016 Contact Benita Dodd at 404-256-4050 or benitadodd@georgiapolicy.org
Criminal Justice Reform Leader Judge Michael P. Boggs Keynotes Feb. 17 Event
Atlanta – Criminal justice in Georgia is transforming from an “Ugly Duckling” with the highest rate of correctional supervision in…
The 2016 State of the State Address
Gov. Nathan Deal delivered the annual State of the State address and introduced his 2017 budget recommendations last week. Here are some of the recommendations and comments:
More support for high-demand skills training: “…over the past three years, we have identified 11 areas where a…
Getting Back What’s Yours: Not Easy in Civil Forfeiture Cases
Civil asset forfeiture happens when law enforcement seizes property and money suspected of being related to a crime without any criminal conviction.
Originally, it was a way for police to target drug trafficking and money laundering; today, it’s described as…
Halloween, ‘Sugar’ and The Right To Try
Twenty-one states now have Right-to-Try laws.
Opportunity’s Knocking Hard at Georgia’s Door
Economic opportunity still lags the nation in Georgia.
Private Property Rights: How One Think Tank is Changing a Nation
A think tank from Benita Dodd's native country is in the running for the Atlas Network's prestigious Templeton Award.
Seven Things You Should Know About Civil Asset Forfeiture
The Heritage Foundation has produced a helpful factsheet that explains civil asset forfeiture.
No. 4, especially, stands out:
4. What if I’m innocent? Surely, innocent people can’t have their property taken.Being innocent does not mean that a state has to return your property.…
Benita Dodd Writes on Civil Asset Forfeiture in Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Writing in the AJC, Benita Dodd seeks more protection for citizens in civil asset forfeiture.
Video: Civil Asset Forfeiture: Undue Process and Overdue Reforms
“Civil Asset Forfeiture: Undue Process and Overdue Reforms” featured two great panel discussions featuring Grover Norquist of Americans for Tax Reform, moderator John Malcolm of the Heritage Foundation, Jason Pye of Freedomworks, Walter Olsen of the Cato Institute., Derek Cohen, senior policy analyst for the Texas Public Policy Foundation…
Criminal Justice Reform Working
Crime and incarceration rates are falling in Georgia and other reform states.
Civil Asset Forfeiture: Good Intentions Gone Awry and The Need for Reform
Civil asset forfeiture should be returned to its original purpose: penalizing those who seek to profit from their illegal activities
Highlighting Foundation’s Role in Criminal Justice Reform
Article highlights Foundation's leadership on criminal justice reform in Georgia.
Fiscal Analysis: How Does Georgia Compare to Other States
Everyone loves rankings. While it's very helpful to understand where you rank compared to your peers, it's also important to make sure the comparisons are valid.
