Skip to Main Content

The Oxford Handbook of Evidence-Based Crime and Justice Policy

Online ISBN:
9780197618141
Print ISBN:
9780197618110
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
Book

The Oxford Handbook of Evidence-Based Crime and Justice Policy

Brandon C. Welsh (ed.),
Brandon C. Welsh
(ed.)
Criminal Justice, Northeastern University
Find on

Brandon C. Welsh is a Professor of Criminology at Northeastern University, the Visiting Professor of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and the Director of the Cambridge-Somerville Youth Study.

Steven N. Zane (ed.),
Steven N. Zane
(ed.)
Criminology and Criminal Justice, Northeastern University
Find on

Steven N. Zane is an Assistant Professor in the College of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Florida State University.

Daniel P. Mears (ed.)
Daniel P. Mears
(ed.)
Criminology and Criminal Justice, Florida State University
Find on

Daniel P. Mears is a Distinguished Research Professor and the Mark C. Stafford Professor of Criminology in the College of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Florida State University.

Published online:
23 January 2024
Published in print:
1 February 2024
Online ISBN:
9780197618141
Print ISBN:
9780197618110
Publisher:
Oxford University Press

Abstract

An evidence-based approach to crime and justice policy can go a long way toward ensuring that the best available research is considered in decisions that bear on the public good. However, the term “evidence-based” is characterized by a great deal of rhetoric. Indeed, there remains a marked disjuncture between calls for evidence-based policy and an understanding of what it means for policy to be evidence-based. The calls for evidence-based policy nonetheless provide a powerful foundation for propelling a movement toward bringing about rational, cost-effective, and humane policies for the betterment of society. This handbook showcases the state of research on evidence-based crime and justice policy and the challenges that impede its creation and use. The volume has three core objectives: to promote new and productive ways to think about evidence-based policy; to demonstrate how research can contribute to and guide evidence-based policy in juvenile justice, criminal justice, and alternatives to system responses; and to identify strategies that can increase reliance on evidence-based policy. To meet these objectives, each chapter is guided by several central questions: What do we know about evidence-based policy and practice in crime and justice? How can we improve knowledge of evidence-based policy and practice? How can we promote more use of evidence-based policy and practice? Taken as a whole, the volume emphasizes the critical need for policies that are grounded in high-quality research, that address critical research gaps, and that fully acknowledge the limitations of what extant research can do to inform policy decisions.

Contents
Close
This Feature Is Available To Subscribers Only

Sign In or Create an Account

Close

This PDF is available to Subscribers Only

View Article Abstract & Purchase Options

For full access to this pdf, sign in to an existing account, or purchase an annual subscription.

Close