Discussion 13: Cost-Efficiency Evaluations, Part II

In this module, we continue to explore and apply the lessons of cost-efficiency evaluations. The two supplements for this module offer interesting insights. First, Mansson and colleagues (2022) discuss cost efficiency in Swedish courts; their work offers some important lessons for CJ institutions everywhere. Second, Mears (2019) returns to comment on justice system reform, discussing contemporary goals and recommendations for change.

In this week’s discussion, the second of two on cost-efficiency, share your perspective on this question: Given that policy makers and the public frequently seem to place a high premium on the idea of getting the most “bang for the buck,” why are cost-efficiency evaluations of criminal justice policies so rare? What solution(s) might you offer to remedy this? What domain(s) of the CJ system seem most ripe for cost-efficiency study? There’s no “right” or “wrong” here — be creative and use the module content to support your arguments!