The Future of Long Sentences: Opportunities and Obstacles

The length, efficacy and consequences of lengthy Pr*son sentences are crucial questions for the American criminal justice system. Join the Council on Criminal Justice and the David F. and Constance B. Girard-diCarlo Center for Ethics, Integrity and Compliance to discuss the current status of long sentences—statutorily, constitutionally and ethically—and the final report of the Council’s 2023 Task Force on Long Sentences . Expert panelists will explore the implications of long sentences for public safety and justice.

The Pennsylvania Continuing Legal Education Board has approved this event for 1 Ethics CLE credit Please note CLE registration for this event is required but is open for general admission.

A reception will immediately follow.

ABOUT THE TASK FORCE ON LONG SENTENCES:

In the spring of 2022, the Council launched the Task Force on Long Sentences to assess drivers of growth in the number of people sentenced to 10 years or more behind bars, the effectiveness of long sentences in preventing and deterring crime, and the effects of those sentences on racial disparities, incarcerated people and their families, crime victims and survivors, communities, and correctional staff.

Co-chaired by former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates and former South Carolina Congressman Trey Gowdy, the Task Force included 14 other members representing a broad range of experience and perspectives, including crime victims and survivors, formerly incarcerated people, prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement, courts and corrections officials. Task Force Director John Maki previously led the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority and the John Howard Association.

ABOUT THE COUNCIL ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE:

The Council on Criminal Justice works to advance understanding of the nation's criminal justice policy choices and build consensus for solutions that enhance safety and justice for all. Independent and nonpartisan, the Council is an invitational membership organization and think tank, serving as a center of gravity and incubator of policy and leadership for the criminal justice field.

ABOUT THE GIRARD-diCARLO CENTER:

The Girard-diCarlo Center is dedicated to exploring and researching ethics, integrity and compliance—areas of vital importance in today’s world. The Center brings leading scholars in these important fields to Villanova Law and provides exciting new coursework and academic programs designed to help the Law School’s graduates succeed in a rapidly developing legal environment.

Host or Publisher Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law