By Paul K. Haeder

Published in Metro Talk, February 2014

“In a nutshell, the Smart Justice movement in Spokane, with more than 30 groups and hundreds of stakeholders heralding it, is a template for much more touchy-feely programs that aim to reduce recidivism, that look at the whole person once that person is “in the criminal justice system,” that stop the selective prosecution of folks with outstanding fines who end up clogging our jails and courts.

“Hand in hand, Smart (and data-driven) Justice puts assessment and accountability at the top of the agenda. Here are what lawyers Julie Schaffer and Breean Beggs see as the crux of this movement promising both a safer community and saner justice system”

Read more: To Jail or not to Jail? That is the Question. (PDF)