Prosecutors have adopted a primarily rehabilitation-oriented approach to juvenile justice, while still seeing the need for punishment and incapacitation. Novel initiatives, such as pretrial diversion, collaboration with other institutions, and the adoption of risk assessment instruments, have made them more effective in ensuring public safety. Prosecutors further illustrate the contribution that mental illness and substance abuse issues play in the juvenile justice system.
Criminal Justice
Safer Communities Through Second Chances: The Case for Federal Expungement
When criminal records follow people forever, families struggle, employers lose workers, and communities lose productive citizens. Federal law offers almost no path to redemption, even though second chances strengthen public safety and the economy. Key Points The federal expungement system is effectively nonexistent. Permanent criminal records for non-violent federal offenses undermine work opportunities, family stability,...
September 15, 2026