Making Sentencing More Effective

Learn About Sentencing Data and
How it Can Assist Judges in Creating Sentences that Work

Why attend this seminar?

Data about the effects of different types of sentences is available, organized, and accessible to the judges charged with structuring sentences that work. Sentencing is the subject of intense public policy debate with many calling for the increased examination of sentencing data. Join us for a conversation on data-driven and research-based sentencing and the opportunity to question in an informal setting, national leaders and scholars in the application of data and research-based findings to sentencing.

Program Faculty:

Superior Court Judge John T. Lu (Program Chair and Moderator)
Chair, Massachusetts Sentencing Commission

James M. Byrne, Ph.D.
Professor, School of Criminology and Justice Studies
UMass Lowell

Faye S. Taxman, Ph.D.
University Professor of Criminology, Law and Society Department and Director of the Center for Advancing Correctional Excellence at George Mason University

Ronald P. Corbett, Jr, Ed.D.
Adjunct Professor, UMass Lowell
Project Director, Community Sanctions and Revocations Project, Robina Institute of Criminal Law and Criminal Justice at the University of Minnesota Law School

Planning Committee

District Court Judge Cesar A. Archilla; Juvenile Court Judge Jay D. Blitzman; BMC Judge Catherine K. Byrne; Superior Court Judge Elizabeth M. Fahey; Superior Court Judge Peter B. Krupp; Superior Court Judge John T. Lu; District Court Judge Andrew L. Mandell; Professor James M. Byrne; Professor Ronald P. Corbett, Jr.; Attorney Lee J. Gartenberg; Linda K. Holt; and Lee M. Kavanagh

Participants will learn useful tips and discuss what works best in sentencing. Examine data about what sentences work best in meeting the goals of sentencing as well as data which shows the long term effect of sentences.

Learn techniques to create sentences that work better to reduce recidivism, result in more successful rehabilitation, and best protect and meet the needs of society.

Find out about the reasons probationers fail and what we can do to improve outcomes and get people back on track.

Panelists will discuss advancements in the following areas:

• The impact of sentence type, and research-based best practices for judges.
• The Use of Prison and Alternative Sanctions
• Sentencing Trends and Best Practices
• Crime Type and Sentence Length
• Probation Conditions, Violations, Incentives, and Supervision
• Race and Sentencing
• New Directions in Sentencing and Corrections
• And more!

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn practical information to help you in the courtroom, as well as to share ideas with your judicial colleagues.

This seminar will address issues significant to judges in the Boston Municipal Court, District Court, Juvenile Court and Superior Court.