Policy Brief: Use of Data in Criminal Court Performance Measurement

Our latest policy brief, "Use of Data in Criminal Court Performance Measurement" is now available. This brief explores the benefits of measuring criminal court performance, shares two case studies of where doing so has been successful, and then offers one potential application to Cook County: t...
December 3, 2012

Tools: Take A Sample Ballot With You When You Vote for Cook County Judges

Early voting has begun! Below are sample ballots for Cook County judicial elections. Click each ballot to find a list of every judge up for retention in Cook County, followed by a recommendation for retention. In Cook County, Judges must receive a "Yes" vote from at least 60% of voters in order to r...
October 22, 2012

Study Reveals Police Frustration with California Diversion Law

A study of Orange County police officers reveals frustration with the state's policy of offering drug offenders treatment in lieu of incarceration. Published in the Criminal Justice Police Review, the study, "'An Absolute Revolving Door': An Evaluation of Police Perception and response to Prop 36" (...
September 20, 2012

“A Thousand Small Sanities” and Why Judges Matter

"A Thousand Small Sanities" is worth a look for anyone interested in learning about rational, incremental criminal justice system reform. It's a succinct, straightforward history of criminal justice reform in New York City. In Small Sanities, the Center for Court Innovation Director Greg Berman writ...
August 29, 2012

Center for Civil Rights Remedies Report on Disparities in School Discipline

The National Appleseed network works to reduce social injustice by analyzing inequities in public systems and suggesting reforms to balance the systems. Many Appleseed affiliates, Chicago among them, are engaged in research and advocacy to ensure that educational opportunities are equally available...
August 8, 2012