WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 2011 — The current financial crisis and other factors have led states to reevaluate sentencing policies and reentry programs.  The American Bar Association Criminal Justice Section’s “Fourth Annual Sentencing & Reentry Institute and Criminal Justice Legal Educators Colloquium” will focus on these topics and related emerging issues on Oct. 27 – 28 at the Liaison Capitol Hill Hotel in Washington, D.C.

On Oct. 28, Sen. Jim Webb of Virginia will deliver the keynote address from 12:15 – 1:45 p.m.  Webb authored legislation to create a bipartisan commission of experts charged with reviewing the nation’s criminal justice system and offering concrete recommendations for reform.

The following programs feature leading criminal justice experts and highlight topics such as criminal justice policy based on rehabilitation pragmatism and penal impact analysis, adult and juvenile reentry programs, and reentry issues facing people with health problems.

“Plenary: Cost-Savings Success in State Corrections Models for Others” — Panelists will argue that budget cutbacks call for new criminal justice policy, and that the exorbitant cost of incarcerating individuals can be reduced by reforming the system. The ABA Criminal Justice Section will provide information on programs that have saved states money while reducing recidivism.
Oct. 28. 9:15 – 10:45 a.m.

“Juvenile Reentry: Breaking the Cycle for Youth” — Experts will discuss the latest developments in the area of juvenile reentry, including education, access to juvenile records and community-based collaboration.
Oct. 28, 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

“State Legislative Initiatives to Reduce Reliance on Incarceration” — The rising costs of incarceration have prompted states to pass legislation designed to alleviate the growth of prison populations.  Panelists will discuss the legislative developments as well as the implications for these changes in penal policy.
Oct. 28, 1:30 – 2:45 p.m.

“The Intersection of Public Health and Reentry: How Access to Health Care Is Increasing Successful Reintegration within the Community” — Panelists will explore the public health consequences of institutional medical care and the unique reentry challenges of individuals with medical problems.
Oct. 28, 1:30 – 2:45 p.m.

“Town Hall Meeting on the State of White Collar Crime: Current Topics in Securities Enforcement” —  Should judges “rubber stamp” the SEC settlements presented to them or do they have a duty to inquire into and evaluate the proposed settlements?  What function do settlements serve where the defendants “neither admit nor deny” responsibility?  What are the present key priorities for the Department of Justice and the SEC?  What is the impact of Dodd-Frank on securities enforcement?  Experts will discuss these topics and more.
Oct. 27, 4 – 5:30 p.m.

Additional information as well as a link to the full agenda can be found online.

There is no charge for media covering this event. For media credentialing and conference materials, or to interview speakers, please contact Rabiah Burks at 202-662-1002,  Rabiah.Burks@americanbar.org.

With nearly 400,000 members, the American Bar Association is the world’s largest voluntary professional membership organization.  As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice, promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education, and works to build public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law.

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