Capital punishment continues to be a contentious issue in the United States, where each state has the autonomy to determine which crimes warrant the death penalty. Among the 27 states with capital punishment laws, premeditated murder and murder...

Most states have put at least some limits on the use of juvenile solitary confinement, which can be especially damaging to young people.

Growing public awareness of backlogs in testing sexual assault evidence kits has prompted states to work toward eliminating their inventories.

Research points to a new understanding about when adolescents become adults, and to new ways of thinking about their treatment in the criminal justice system.

The federal Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention offers grants to states to handle juvenile cases informally, often via community-based services that can reduce reoffending and increase public safety. 

Hot topics in criminal justice legislation for 2025 include Medicaid Section 1115 waivers; prison conditions and reentry opportunities; the behavioral health crisis; immigration; and competency to stand trial. Forecast ’25