The State of Sentencing 2009: Developments in Policy and Practice

With states around the nation experiencing significant fiscal crises, legislators are increasingly interested in prioritizing available resources as they affect how states direct scarce correctional dollars.

As a result, many states are rethinking their sentencing policies in order to develop fair and effective approaches to strengthen public safety. Legislative initiatives to address prison overcrowding, parole policies and sentencing alternatives are increasingly at the forefront of state criminal justice agendas.

During 2009, state legislatures in at least 19 states enacted policies that hold the potential to reduce prison populations and/or promote more effective approaches to public safety. This report examines these initiatives in sentencing reform, death penalty, probation and parole practices, and juvenile justice.

To read the report, download the PDF below.