Discussion 14: Conclusion: Frontiers of Criminal Justice Policy Evaluation

In our final module, we considered the road ahead: the future of criminal justice policy. Mears offers a cautiously optimistic tone, noting that although the contemporary state of criminal justice policy exhibits numerous causes for concern, there are also many opportunities for improvement. He concludes with his recommendations for more and better evaluation research.

For our final discussion, reflect on all we’ve read and written this term. Then offer your thoughts on this question: What specific steps for increasing the amount and quality of criminal justice evaluation research do you think would produce the largest improvements in research and in policy? It’s fine to cite from Mears (and elsewhere) here, but your response should incorporate your own perspective.