Remembering James Q. Wilson

By Joan Petersilia

How one scholar’s bold ideas changed the national conversation on crime policy.

On the Docket: Juvenile Life Without Parole

By Matthew T. Mangino

The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing cases on the issue of life without parole for juveniles. Commentator Matthew Mangino says that if recent trends are any indication, the court will restrict the use of life without parole for juveniles, but will not eliminate the practice.

Open Government (Not?)

By Cara Tabachnick

The DOJ is marking “Sunshine Week” with claims of improved access to government records. Critics beg to differ.

Will Ex-Inmates Who Get Jobs Commit Fewer Crimes?

By Ted Gest

Two criminologists question blanket bans on hiring ex-offenders

Henry's Law and DWI Testing

By Steven B. Epstein

Breathalyzer tests may get drunk drivers off the road—but can they stand up in court?

Teen Dating Violence Often Part of a Pattern of Victimization: Report

Teen victims of dating violence are overwhelmingly more likely to have been victims of other forms of violence, such as sexual violence and child abuse, according to new research from the University of New Hampshire Crimes Against Children Research Center.

Accounting for Bad Prosecutors

By James Doyle

A legal expert examines growing national efforts to force prosecutors who bury proof of innocence to face criminal or professional disciplinary consequences.  

Move Over, Police?

By John Sodaro

Analysts explore some intriguing factors that may account for declining U.S. crime rates, and highlight one area of criminal behavior that gets little attention from cops on the beat.   

VAWA at the Crossroads

By Deirdre Bannon

Advocates want to expand a the Violence Against Women Act, a landmark federal law passed in 1994. But the GOP has important reservations.

Aging Prisoners; Unprepared Corrections, Report Says

Prisoners are aging rapidly and American prisons and corrections are unprepared to deal with their needs, says a new report from Human Rights Watch.