In Short:

The period of problem solving in criminal justice appears to be over, driven by increasing public concern about crime and repolarization in response to social movement activism.

Abstract

From the mid-2000s to the mid-2010s, the politics of criminal justice took a sudden turn from highly politicized punitiveness, to lower-salience problem solving that led to a range of breakthroughs that reduced the growth in incarceration. This shift was driven by decreasing party competition at the state level, the increasing space for reform produced by lower public salience of crime, and the creative advocacy and political entrepreneurship of advocates. This period of problem solving appears to be over, driven by increasing public concern about crime and repolarization in response to social movement activism. Lessons are offered that advocates and funders can draw from this case, especially concerning the linkage between salience and problem-solving reform.

About the author

Steven Teles

professor, school of government and policy

Steven Teles is a political scientist focused on the intersection of political economy, public policy, political parties and ideology.