The most definitive answer I heard to this question at today’s panel on Realignment, sponsored by the Warren Institute on Law and Policy at UC Berkeley, was “no one knows.” The outcomes of criminal justice realignment are still unclear as it recently went into effect October 1st. Other factors include the difficulties in knowing how many offenders realignment will actually affect due to the specificity of offender categories outlined for local supervision and “justice by geography.” By…
Blog Oct 25, 2011
Is Wall Street a gang? Part I
By now just about everyone has become aware of the social movement known as Occupy Wall Street . It has occurred to me that one of the justifications for this movement is the massive amount of fraud committed by various corporations that constitute what is known as “Wall Street” in addition to crimes linked to specific individuals rather than corporations. I am in the middle of updating my book on gangs and in the process have included a discussion of what exactly is a “gang” and it…
Blog Oct 21, 2011
Audio broadcast “It’s all business” out now
It’s all business is a short broadcast that discusses the role lobbying firms play in exacerbating the current prison crisis in California. Lobbying firms represent special interest groups in California, promoting and opposing legislation based on the agenda of their clients. These firms specialize in strategic political marketing both to the legislature and to the public through the media. This broadcast aims to highlight the influential role lobbying firms play in shaping…
Blog Oct 20, 2011
Second Chance Act funding threatened
Of the $2.3 billion currently allocated in the Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Bill, $0 is included in the Senate’s version for Second Chance Act funding. Although full funding would require $165 million, there is an opportunity to restore, at least a portion of this crucial funding for fiscal year 2012. President Obama has requested $100 million and the House of Representatives request includes $70 million; however, agreement from both the House and the Senate appropriations…
Blog Oct 19, 2011
Audio broadcast “Money Talks” out now
Money Talks is a four-minute broadcast that introduces listeners to the criminal justice special interest group landscape in California, highlighting key players and the strategies they employ to promote their agenda in California’s criminal justice policymaking. Modern American society is characterized by an unequal distribution of power and economic resources, wherein those who have the greatest access to resources are most able to have their interests represented by the law. …