What are the most effective ways to measure the impact of criminal justice reform efforts?

Actually, I disagree with defining goals being the first step. Collecting and analyzing the data should be the first step. When you define your goal, you are setting an agenda and you will look for or create data that aligns with your goal. Effective reform is data-driven and evidenced-based, not goal or agenda driven. Too often, data is created to fit a narrative and we now live in a world of “spin”, misinformation and half truths. So it’s not only imperative that we start with data, but we start with objective data from a reputable source.

Based on my research in the last ten years, it all started back in the 1960's with an agenda by powerful influencers of crime to remove / obstruct Constitutional Law Enforcement Officers in the performance of their duties such as Constables and Sheriffs. Read "Cigar City Mofia" and witness accounts of Constables took down the mafia and how the Sheriff's department is corrupted to this day. Even though numerous impact studies have shown that Constables are an extreme asset to the Local, State and Federal level, they are continuously attacked by local politicians that are controlled by corruption to the point that they are calling for the removal of the Constitutional Law Enforcement Officers or control their budget to operate.

I want to achieve a fairness across the Justice system so people like myself and my friend who simply cannot afford to hire a Barrister, to redress the situation, which in our case is easy to do, due to the paperwork we have showing clearly the technical impossibility of the crime having happened, as described below.I also want all defendants to get one free copy of their Trial transcripts for their records, or indeed for their needs, in case of appeals , etc. my friends cost nearly £2000, mine only £150.My friend had to borrow the money for his. The transcript should automatically be sent to a defendant, within 7 days of the trial ending.

Evaluation and impact study of criminal justice system (CJS) needs robust research methodology with setting up of relevant parameters (independent variables) capable of producing good empirical outcomes. Some of the independent variables may be: promptness in police investigation, handling of victims of crime, average time for trial, witness protection measures, rate of conviction, victim compensation etc. Both quantitative and qualitative research methodology may be useful for the study.

My goal as a Criminal Defense Attorney are the same in every case: 1. Get a true understanding of who my client is and what s/he expects as a possible outcome or end goal. 2. Investigate and learn the facts of the case, including all possible sources of facts, witnesses, and motivations of those involved. 3. Use all available resources, facts, and experts to create leverage or position for the client. 4. File every available Motion, so you can develop testimony and lock-in the State and police officers to an unchangeable story. 5. Research the law of the case and weaponize every fact, and bit of evidence, to raise reasonable doubt for the client. 6. Prepare each case thoroughly, so you can give the client a great deal or fair trial.

One powerful aspect of defense work that is often forgotten is the power of hiring Professional or Expert Witnesses. The cost of most Expert Witnesses is too expensive for the average person. However, the use of an Expert Witness is always helpful and often a very powerful tool in defending a case. While a judge does sometimes approve of government payment for an Expert to an indigent defendant, the average person can not afford such a helpful tool in defending a case. An example is where someone is accused of forgery, and they hire a Handwriting Expert who rules-out the defendant as a possible suspect after a document review. Another example is where a Police Expert shows multiple errors made by a Detective's investigation methods.

The arrest and release system is ineffective and dangerous for the general public. Various approaches to improve the criminal justice system include promoting community safety by adopting non-incarceration options and engaging community and faith-based organizations to establish guidelines for individuals to abide by. Implementing fair and effective law enforcement procedures, promoting equity in pre-trial services and processes, enhancing the ethical behavior of prosecutors, ensuring appropriate legal proceedings and delivering top-notch legal assistance for indigent individuals. Advocating for just and impartial punishment according to the principle of reciprocity is just one of the ways we can improve our systems.

In my 32 years of trials and jury selections, I believe picking a fair jury is a paramount need for justice. Jury selection is different in every state, every county, and in every courtroom. The one constant is that the more time I am able to spend with a potential jury pool, and talk with them, the better chance I have to assure my client gets a fair trial. This fairness is often reduced when a judge limits the jury selection process or the amount of time allowed to discuss matters with potential jurors. While race, vocation, education, social history, and personal history are important in selecting a fair jury, a "bad vibe" or an ugly smirk, from a juror can sometimes tell you more about a person than their answers to any questions.

Crime rates in several progressive urban areas have escalated due to the implementation of a catch-and-release policy, resulting in a state of crisis and anarchy. Confronting racial disparities, advocating for drug policy reform, reorganizing the penal system, and promoting equitable treatment and rehabilitation for juvenile offenders while ensuring the rights of victims are not compromised should be our common goal.

This is one of the most important aspects of criminal justice reform. Technology and science improves much faster than we can keep up with in changing laws. You have to always be aware of the new science and be open to new techniques. Past experiences are important but you need to be cognizant that the world is changing at a a fast pace. Also as trial attorneys, many people analyze their “losses” but ignore their “wins.” You need to use the same scrutiny after you win a case. Just being open to reviewing your previous work, is the first step to continually improve. It’s my opinion and hope that we will see seismic shifts in criminal justice reform and criminal law during our lifetimes.

the racial disparities in all phases of the system. relatively easy to measure. I would add that attention must be paid to the social determinants of oppression.