The role of criminal law is to identify, discourage, and, when necessary, punish behavior that harms other people or otherwise threatens the very fabric of civil society. In order to be legitimate, a criminal justice system must accomplish those tasks in a way that is substantively and procedurally fair while ensuring accountability from government officials who abuse their authority. Cato’s research focuses on unconstitutional overcriminalization, self‐defeating policing, coercive plea bargaining, and challenging our policy of near‐zero accountability for law enforcement.
Criminal Justice
Featured Content
After the Derek Chauvin Verdict
To address police misconduct, much more is needed than a willingness to press criminal prosecution in the worst cases.
For Criminal Justice Reform, We Need Better Criminal Justice Data
Criminal justice reformers should turn their eyes to how data is collected in myriad ways within the criminal justice system. Stuart Buck of Arnold Ventures details how credible data can drive reform efforts.
Chauvin Verdict Only First Step Towards Accountability
The conviction will not bring Mr. Floyd back to life, nor should we suppose that the criminal justice system reliably punishes officers who violate people’s rights.
New Mexico’s Landmark Qualified Immunity Reform Gets It Mostly Right
Although some have described HB 4 as “ending” or “eliminating” qualified immunity in New Mexico, that’s not exactly correct.
The Cops Who Killed Tony Timpa Are Unfit to Serve. But Courts Ensure They Keep Their Jobs.
Tony begged for his life until he could no longer speak. But a federal district judge says police aren’t liable.
Featured Project
End Qualified Immunity
Qualified immunity is a judicial doctrine that shields public officials, like police officers, from liability when they break the law. Cato’s Project on Criminal Justice chose to make the elimination of qualified immunity one of its top priorities nearly three years ago for the simple reason that civil society is impossible without a well‐functioning criminal justice system.