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In an era marked by increasing scrutiny of the criminal justice system, the state of criminal justice reform remains a critical and evolving issue in the United States. This panel will bring together leading experts, policymakers, and advocates to explore the current landscape of criminal justice reform, examining the successes, challenges, and opportunities that define this pivotal moment in history.

From legislative achievements to grassroots movements, panelists will discuss the progress made in areas such as sentencing reform, recidivism and police accountability, while also addressing the ongoing challenges that continue to hinder meaningful change. The discussion will provide insights into the impact of recent reforms on marginalized communities, the role of public perception in shaping policy, and the intersection of criminal justice with broader social justice movements.

As we assess the current "State of the Union" on criminal justice reform, this panel aims to offer a comprehensive overview of where we stand, what has been achieved, and what lies ahead on the path to a more just and equitable system.

Panelists:

 

 Yasmin Cader (she/her) is a Deputy Legal Director at the ACLU and the Director of the Trone Center for Justice and Equality, which encompasses the National Prison Project, the Criminal Law Reform Project, the Racial Justice Program, the Capital Punishment Project, as well as the John Adams project. In her 30-year career as a civil rights lawyer and public defender in Washington, D.C., New York, and Los Angeles, Yasmin has been at the front lines of the fight for racial justice and brings a unique perspective and creative vision to addressing the most important issues facing our country.

 

 Nick Turner (he/him) joined the Vera Institute of Justice as its fifth president and director in August 2013. He is the first person of color to occupy the role. He is also the president and director of Vera Action. Under his leadership, Vera has committed itself to ending overcriminalization and mass incarceration in the United States. Vera works to shrink jails and prisons, elevate a commitment to human dignity, and redefine how public safety is delivered, with a greater investment in public health and community.

 

John Pfaff (he/him) is a Professor of Law at Fordham University where he teaches criminal law, sentencing law, and law and economics. Before coming to Fordham, he was the John M. Olin Fellow at the Northwestern University School of Law and clerked for Judge Stephen F. Williams on the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit. Professor Pfaff's research focuses primarily on empirical matters related to criminal justice, especially criminal sentencing. He is the author of Locked In: The True Causes of Mass Incarceration and How to Achieve Real Reform.

 

The event will be moderated by ESPHS President and CEO Dr. Kerry Sautner.

 

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Justice 101 is a discussion series examining the history of the justice system in America, from its founding to today, and the impact it has on society, citizens, and the world. Justice 101 programs are free and take place monthly. You can join us live at the times listed, or watch the discussions back anytime on YouTube. Justice 101 is designed for learners of all ages.