Trial and Error in Criminal Justice Reform

Reviews / Votes

"Greg Berman and Aubrey Fox demonstrate the need for experimentation-trial and error-in developing successful problem-solving programs. Their voice stands in sharp contrast to the bombastic cries and exaggerated claims of most so-called reformers." -- Malcolm M. Feeley, Claire Sanders Clements Dean's Professor, Jurisprudence and Social Policy Program, Boalt Hall, University of California Berkeley "Through a series of fascinating case studies, Berman and Fox make the point that the criminal justice field can learn as much, if not more, from failed reforms as from successful initiatives. I agree and would urge front-line practitioners, policymakers, and scholars to read this provocative book. Far from being a downer, this book charts a promising path for criminal justice reform in this country. I can think of no other book like it." -- Joan Petersilia, Adelbert H. Sweet Professor of Law, Stanford University Law School "Peter Drucker once observed that Babe Ruth struck out 1,330 times-but also hit 714 home runs. We needn't be discouraged by Berman and Fox's findings; there's probably more to learn by diagnosing and embracing failure than by thinking we can easily or glibly replicate success. At a time when clarity, transparency, and trust are so lacking and so needed in policy and politics, this book can help us all see more clearly the seeds of failure and the ingredients necessary for sustainable success in criminal justice reform." -- Ira A. Jackson, Henry Y. Hwang Dean and Professor of Management, Claremont Graduate University It is recommended reading for legislative policymakers, agency heads, academicians, students and others interested in the ongoing work of shaping criminal justice systems and policy. * Corrections Today * The philosopher John Dewey once wrote that understanding things the way they are is the first step in making them different. This book tells us that understanding failure is the first step to creating a fairer and safer community for everyone. -- Cyrus Vance, Manhattan District Attorney Not only a good read but a must read. -- Bill Bratton, former Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department, Commissioner of the Boston Police Department and twice Commissioner of the New York Police Department. "Peter Drucker would love this book. -- Ira Jackson, Dean, Drucker-Ito Graduate School of Management