Charting the Evolution of Structure and Determinacy in State Sentencing and Corrections Policies 1970–2010

Abstract

This study examines state policies governing criminal sentencing and prison release decisions between 1970 and 2010. The goal is to create common definitions and operationalizations of policies to better specify state-level policy differences over time and across jurisdictions. Relying on an independent review of state codes, we define and catalogue key legislative initiatives adopted across the states, including presumptive sentences, sentencing guidelines, and the abolition of discretionary release. We argue that a set of common definitions and accounting is necessary for enhancing research on the content, adoption, and impact of policies and for assisting policymakers in the development of reform initiatives in the areas of sentencing and corrections.