Journal of Criminal Justice
Presents First Annual Symposium
on Evidence-Based Sentencing

On August 6, 2008, Chapman's new Journal of Criminal Justice hosted its first annual symposium, "Evidence-Based Sentencing: The New Frontier in Sentencing Policy and Practice." Invited panelists consisted of judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, criminologists, and psychologists from around the nation. The keynote speaker, Honorable Roger K. Warren, provided insights at a networking luncheon that included scores of local practitioners, scholars and students. Formerly presiding on the California Superior Court, Judge Warren is President Emeritus of the National Center for State Courts and current Director of NCSC’s national sentencing reform project, “Getting Smarter about Sentencing.”

Panelists addressed current developments in evidence-based sentencing and then delved into a discussion of risk assessment with a dialogue about the challenges in the field. Each panelist displayed a passion for their topic that provoked thoughtful consideration and questions from the more than 100 guests. Participants learned both practical and logical sentencing policy concentrated on public safety. A segment on risk assessment and interventions for special populations gave an insightful examination of evidence based sentencing and the ways it can benefit the criminal justice system in dealing with offenders suffering from mental health issues and drug addiction. Many were surprised to learn that learn how there does not appear to be a direct correlation between mental illness and crime. Participants learned both practical and logical sentencing policy concentrated on public safety.

The day concluded with a VIP dinner followed by a special screening of the film Eastern State: Living Behind the Walls, an award-winning documentary that examined the history and legacy of the world’s first penitentiary, Eastern State Prison in Philadelphia. The film was followed by a panel discussion with the filmmaker, Tony Alosi.