Corrections Reform: An Examination of Entropy Among Interest Groups and Prison Management

• In Event: Corrections Reform in Partnership with those Directly Impacted

Abstract

Interest groups have been prevalent in American society for many years. Much of interest groups’ influence has been has been examined by their effect on decision-making. Interest groups’ ability to affect policy choices is undeniable both legislatively and judicially. Analyses of judicial decision-making generally focus on the use of amicus curiae briefs by interest groups. While most analyses of interest groups have been conducted using a quantitative approach, few have assessed their role and influence qualitatively. Although the literature on interest groups and decision-making is well established among political scientists, these concepts are discussed much less among criminologists. The current analysis will fill this void by providing an historical assessment of interest groups working to reform corrections through litigation. The sample includes all United States Supreme Court cases adjudicated on the issue of prisoners’ rights. By doing so, this analysis will more exhaustively identify interest groups involved in corrections reform and their stances on various issues. Additionally, this analysis examines content contained in amicus curiae briefs to better understand how and why this approach has been effective for interest groups.

Author

• James Mack Arthur Pitts, University of Southern Mississippi