SJNC is pleased to feature a new article by seasoned correctional observer R. E. Bob Brown, who compares the criminal justice policies of the current Government of Canada with those in several European countries, the U.S. and a number of its states. … [Read more...]
Corrections and the political agenda in Canada: Toward an illuminated future or a walk in the darkness?
September 15, 2015 by
Mental health and criminal justice: a long and dysfunctional relationship (Ed McIsaac)
July 22, 2013 by
Mental health and criminal justice have a long and dysfunctional relationship. Inevitably it seems our desire for punishment overtakes both the needs of the individual offender suffering from mental illness and our collective long-term interest in … [Read more...]
Leading children’s advocates criticize Bill C10
January 7, 2013 by
When the 2002 Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) was passed, Canada had proportionately more youth imprisoned than any other Western country. It was hoped that this new Act would reduce this high level in favour of alternatives to prison. Most experts … [Read more...]
The criminal justice gender gap
September 19, 2012 by
Racial disparities in the criminal-justice system get lots of attention, if not any remedies. But how about the gender gap? "This study finds dramatic unexplained gender gaps in federal criminal cases," writes Sonya B. Starr, assistant professor at … [Read more...]
Hard costs of lock-’em-up culture
August 12, 2012 by
This article reports on shattering data from the Pew Foundation that documents for the first time incarceration’s economic effects, with severe impacts life-long on the economic stability of families and whole communities. Unless society comes up … [Read more...]
Finding direction: Expanding criminal justice options by considering policies of other nations
August 12, 2012 by
This report compares criminal justice systems and social indicators for six countries including Canada. Countries choosing fines, community service, probation, or treatment did not produce higher victimization rates. Some countries used sentence … [Read more...]
Missouri tells judges cost of sentences
August 12, 2012 by
Some jurisdictions are asking for more judicial accountability for costly sentencing choices that are ineffective. A new program in Missouri uses data about offenders to help answer these questions: What is the likelihood, under different sentencing … [Read more...]
Lessons from the front lines in Canada’s restorative justice experiment: The experience of sentencing judges
August 12, 2012 by
Megan Stephens interviewed Ontario judges on restorative justice processes, which offer a contextual approach to resolving the aftermath of a crime. Data from the interviews provide a candid in-depth look at obstacles to effective implementation, … [Read more...]
Is your criminal justice system serving you well?
August 12, 2012 by
This Toronto Star series maps the most costly jail cities in the country, adding socioeconomic data to the mix to give a better picture of crime and punishment in Canada — and Toronto. http://www.thestar.com/specialSections/crime … [Read more...]
Crime and punishment: Time for a more reasoned debate
August 12, 2012 by
Danny Graham, criminal justice advisor in Canada and internationally, reports that comparable European democracies basing policy on "what works" are achieving much lower crime rates than Canada, with lower incarceration and huge fiscal savings. He … [Read more...]