Landscape Analyses of Criminal Legal Systems: Data, Disparities, and Reform

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract/Description

This panel brings together several presentations offering comprehensive insights into the data landscapes of various criminal legal systems, focusing on Colorado, Michigan, Louisiana, Washington DC, and Milwaukee. These reports were part of a funder's strategic effort to better understand the nature and context of core problems affecting criminal legal systems. Each paper provides a detailed examination of key indicators, demographics, and socio-economic factors associated with criminal legal system impact. Together, these presentations offer crucial insights into understanding, addressing, and changing criminal justice systems to foster equity, accountability, and societal well-being. Discussion will include issues related to transparency and accountability, data literacy and access, and the role of data in criminal legal system policy and practice.

Sub Unit

• Area VI. The Criminal Justice System / 50. Challenging Criminal Justice Policies

Individual Presentations

• Colorado Data Landscape - Wendy Ware, The JFA Institute

• Michigan Data Landscape - Matthew Larson, Center for Behavioral Health & Justice, Wayne State University

• Louisiana Data Landscape - Sara Crosby, Louisiana State University; Stephen Phillipi, Louisiana State University

• Washington DC Data Landscape - Tracy Velázquez, Council for Court Excellence

• Milwaukee Data Landscape - Theodore S. Lentz, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Sarwat Sharif, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Jolynn Woehrer, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Chair

• Theodore S. Lentz, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Discussant

• Theodore S. Lentz, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee