The recent bipartisan passage of The First Step Act has sparked discussion of criminal justice reform at the state and local level. The federal act is viewed as a modest move to ease punitive prison sentencing and provide credits for some federal offenders who avoid disciplinary actions and enroll in skill training. The act also moves to improve federal prison conditions. One intention outcome of this act is to reduce the prison population by increasing an offender’s chances at rehabilitation and enabling their transition into an independent, community life with skills that will keep them permanently out of the prison system. This forum discussion will focus on the likely impact of The First Step Act and its implications for Michigan’s sentencing practices, prison environments, and transitional assistance intended to reduce prison re-entry.
Panelist Biographical Information
- Jay P Kennedy, PhD - Assistant Professor School of Criminal Justice and Center for Anti-Counterfeiting and Product Protection MSU
- Derek Cohen, PhD - Director of the Center for Effective Justice and Right on Crime at the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
- Jennifer E. Cobbina, PhD - Associate Professor in the School of Criminal Justice MSU.
Video
- See the video from the Mar 2019 forum
Pictures
- See the pictures from the March 2019 forum