There are two fundamental questions that any society must answer: What is criminal justice? And how do we achieve it? 
The first is a question about which a free society can reach a consensus. The second is more difficult because it requires creating policies that attempt to apply that justice consensus to real human beings in the real world. Such a task has never been easy.
Even with the best intentions, policies can have unintended consequences, with outcomes that are so far from our consensus about justice that they become injustices, at the expense of individual lives and liberty.
For example: Is the use of bail a just policy? Does it protect society? Does it disadvantage the poor? Is there an alternative? What are the trade-offs?
Many of our debates about criminal justice are based on ideology, anecdote and cherry-picked facts. To create justice policies that truly serve justice, though, we need solid, unbiased information.
What policies have been tried before? What was the outcome? Even if a policy has been shown to be effective, how practical is it? What does it cost in time and resources? If someone has proposed a new approach, how can we test it?
Answers to these questions can help us design criminal justice policies that work as intended and that come closer to our vision of justice.
Finding those answers is the purpose of the Center for Justice Research, as expressed in its motto, “Science Informing Policy.” This motto reflects the understanding that science cannot and should not dictate policy, but it can provide a sound foundation for it.
I look forward to the center’s contributions to the improvement of criminal justice in Ohio.
Sincerely,
Dave Yost
Ohio Attorney General
Photo courtesy David Dupont,
BG Independent News
In the field of criminal justice, there are a number of scientifically based policies that have improved the quality of life for Ohioans and all Americans.
We need more of these effective policies.
Through the years, criminologists have amassed an impressive volume of evidence about what works and what doesn’t. What has proved more challenging is turning these findings into better policy.
The primary role of the Center for Justice Research is to help solve this problem by supporting original research specifically designed to inform criminal justice policy in Ohio.
Although the CJR joins other justice-focused research centers nationwide that have made strides in the areas of policy and quality-of-life improvements for Americans, our center is unique: We are a funding agency.
With the goal of informing criminal justice policy through science, the CJR funds original research that is designed to answer key questions about criminal justice, justice administration and justice policy in Ohio.
Supported by the office of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, the CJR’s motto – “Science Informing Policy” – directly reflects our purpose.
At the conclusion of each scientific project, the center works with the research team to translate the findings into usable, scientifically validated and effective policy recommendations for the Attorney General’s Office and policymakers throughout Ohio.
I am honored to be tasked with this great responsibility. It is my hope and expectation that the policies the CJR helps to inform will improve public safety as well as the quality of life for all Ohioans.
Sincerely,
John H. Boman IV, Ph.D.
Director
Center for Justice Research