The Impact of California Budget Deficits on the Criminal Justice System: Evidence and Recommendations

Global Journal of Business Research, Vol. 4, No. 4, pp. 125-132, 2010

8 Pages Posted: 29 Jun 2011

See all articles by Victor Lewis

Victor Lewis

National University

James Larson

National University

Kenneth D. Kay

National University

Date Written: 2010

Abstract

At the same time that the State of California faces crushing annual budget deficits, the Governor faces a mandate from the federal courts to significantly reduce prison overcrowding. California prisons were originally designed to hold fewer than 100,000 inmates. They are currently housing over 170,000 inmates. The problem facing California lawmakers is how to reconcile looming budget cuts, including those in the corrections system and the court system, with the mandate to reduce the number of prisoners. One suggested plan, to grant early release to approximately 27,000 inmates, has run into stiff opposition from police and prosecutor groups. They cite recent high profile abductions and murders committed by parolees who were released early to live in treatment centers and half-way houses. Criminal justice experts also predict that the early release of inmates will increase recidivism rates in a state that already has the nation’s highest recidivism rate. This paper will explore and review the ongoing political and fiscal battles over the allocation of scarce public funds currently taking place in California, and the direct impact it will have on the criminal justice system in California and the rest of the United States.

Suggested Citation

Lewis, Victor and Larson, James and Kay, Kenneth D., The Impact of California Budget Deficits on the Criminal Justice System: Evidence and Recommendations (2010). Global Journal of Business Research, Vol. 4, No. 4, pp. 125-132, 2010, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1873483

Victor Lewis (Contact Author)

National University ( email )

92037

James Larson

National University ( email )

11255 North Torrey Pines Road
La Jolla, CA 92037
United States

Kenneth D. Kay

National University ( email )

11255 North Torrey Pines Road
La Jolla, CA 92037
United States

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