Criminal Justice: Policy In Progress
BlogWith the 2017 Legislative Session drawing closer, it is important to identify topics and bills and that have gained significant traction in recent years but haven’t come to fruition.
Apples and Oranges: Gender & Justice Programs
BlogJustice-involved women and girls are often treated through programs and services targeted towards the larger population: men and boys
An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure
BlogCould it be that the medical model can only take us so far along our road to better health? Are there alternate routes we should explore?
Sentencing Doesn’t Require Psychic Powers
BlogAs crime in Florida continues to decline and state prison populations continue to exceed 100,000 inmates, policymakers and practitioners are all seeking to mitigate corrections cost by opting for less costly, but just as effective, alternatives.
Zoonoses Uncaged!
BlogGiven our relationships with animals, would it surprise you to know that even mundane exposure to pets, livestock, wildlife, and insects has the potential to result in a zoonotic infection, and that there are currently 868 known zoonotic diseases?
Citation Today, Jail Tomorrow
Blog“Traditional” sanctions that keep offenders behind bars have cost the U.S. and its taxpayers millions, despite limited returns on investment regarding public safety. Recognizing this, many states have implemented alternative sanctions that focus on reserving prison beds for dangerous offenders and prioritizing treatment for lower-level offenders.
FEMA’s Disaster Deductible
BlogThe Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has undertaken rulemaking to consider the establishment of a deductible for its Public Assistance Program. Has Florida taken the right steps to make this new rule a favorable one?
Expanding Judicial Discretion in Sentencing Will Reduce Prison Populations, Improve Outcomes
Press ReleasesTough on crime laws of the 1980s and ‘90s have put a significant strain on Florida taxpayers. These policies, especially mandatory minimum sentences, have forced judges to place low-risk, nonviolent offenders behind bars when many pose little or no risk to public safety and have cost taxpayers millions of dollars in a state whose corrections system is already facing understaffing and funding issues.
Discretion on the Bench
Corrections/Judicial, Cost Savings, ResearchThis report recommends the implementation of a “Judicial Safety Valve” that would give judges the discretion to deviate from mandatory minimums for low-level offenders, but maintain the rights of victims, offenders, their attorneys, and the state to have input on sentencing decisions at sentencing hearings.
Remember to Thank Principals Too During the First Week Back to School
Op-EdsFor millions of parents and students this month around the Sunshine State, one of the most exciting parts of returning to school is meeting the teachers. And for good reason; teachers will spend 180 days helping students learn and grow as one of the primary influences, besides parents and family, in each child’s life. But as you settle into the new school year routine, we hope you will take some time to share your appreciation and support for each school’s principal. More than you may realize, effective principals have a crucial role in each student’s progress and success.
