We work to create a more effective and humane justice system by performing original research and helping launch reforms around the world.

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Publication

Beyond the Algorithm: Pretrial Reform, Risk Assessment, and Racial Fairness

Drawing on a case study of more than 175,000 defendants in New York City, this report concludes concerns over risk assessments perpetuating racial disparities in pretrial decisions are real. However, at least in the New York City example, it finds a more targeted use of risk assessments could both significantly reduce pretrial detention and alleviate racial disparities. But realizing that potential requires jurisdictions to think "beyond the algorithm"—what do they want to use a risk assessment for?

Press

New Study Adds to Debate on Racial Bias in Risk Assessment Tools

Examining the debate over racial bias in risk assessment tools used in courtrooms, The Marshall Project cites our study, 'Beyond the Algorithm,' which encourages the use of the algorithm as one tool in a larger framework that supports a fair and just system.

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Press

Making Court Innovation Work in New York

Center for Court Innovation director Greg Berman discusses 25 years of the Center's work with Dutch organization de Rechtspraak as we continue to "push, poke, and prod the justice system to be more effective and more humane." Interview available courtesy of de Rechtspraak. (See also video of Berman's candid Q & A with Center alum Chris Watler reflecting on his quarter-century tenure.)

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Publication

New York’s Bail Reform Law: Major Components and Implications

New York State has passed sweeping criminal justice legislation, strictly curtailing the use of cash bail and pretrial detention, overhauling rules governing the sharing of evidence, and strengthening measures to ensure a defendant's right to a speedy trial. Our analysis of the potential implications of the reforms to bail finds they can be expected to significantly reduce the use of incarceration in the state. The measures go into effect in January 2020.

Publication

Annual Report: 2018

This year’s annual report captures the accomplishments of our more than 500 staff through numbers and stories. Together, they paint a picture of positive change: for government systems that have become more responsive to community concerns, for neighborhoods that are moving themselves toward safety and well-being, and for the thousands of people we work with who found healing and an opportunity to build lives outside of the justice system.

Audio

The Art and Science of Reducing Violence

In 2017, more than 17,000 people were murdered in the United States, most of them in cities. Thomas Abt, a long-time policy-maker and researcher, says, far from intractable, there are proven ways to reduce the violence, but he worries the urgency of acting now is being ignored. And when it comes to how we think about violence, he has a bone to pick with both the right and the left. Abt’s new book is Bleeding Out: The Devastating Consequences of Urban Violence and a Bold New Plan for Peace in the Streets.