The 1966 President's Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Justice: Contributions and Unfinished Business

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract

Two people who worked on the staff of President Johnson’s commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Justice in 1966 join two distinguished criminologist to discuss the impact of the Commission’s work and suggest issues that a new president’s commission should explore. A few of these include (1) revising sentencing provisions in laws contributing to over-incarceration (2) developing procedures for the periodic review and revision of state criminal codes, (3) establishing alcohol and drug detoxification centers, (4) creating public health treatment approaches for those with mental health problems, and (5) considering recommendations for more effective approaches to preserving civil liberties and human rights, while increasing public safety. To develop the most useful recommendations, and to avoid polarization, legislation should create the commission, but allow the newly elected president to appoint the chair, with advice from relevant congressional committees.

Sub Unit

• Area I: Presidential Plenaries

Individual Presentations

• Anticipating a Twenty First Century Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Justice - Alfred Blumstein, Carnegie Mellon University

• The Importance of Recognizing the Criminal Law as Part of the System of Justice - Roland Chilton, University of Massachusetts Amherst

• A New Crime Commission Should Seek to Advance Knowledge About Criminal Careers - David P. Farrington, Cambridge University

Chair

• Lynn A. Addington, American University