Since 1980, the number of people incarcerated in the United States has more than quadrupled; the nation now has the largest prison population in the world. The criminal justice system is not only inefficient, it is also ineffective. Reducing mass incarceration and reforming the criminal justice system is bringing together an unexpected and diverse coalition, including Republicans and Democrats, social liberals and economic conservatives.
This Aspen Ideas Festival conversation, supported by MacArthur, explores fascinating research on criminal justice and offer insights on bipartisan efforts aimed at reform. Speakers include Bruce Western, Professor, Sociology, Harvard University; Ta-Nehisi Coates, Senior Editor and National Correspondent, The Atlantic; Jens Ludwig, Director, University of Chicago Crime Lab; Shaka Senghor, Director of Strategy, #cut50; U.S. Senator Cory Booker; Katie Couric, Global Anchor, Yahoo News; and Mark Holden, General Counsel, Koch Industries.
