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Front-End Justice

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Legislative Primer Series

Read two reports that are part of a series exploring policies that affect the front end of the criminal justice system, including who is entering the “front door” of the system, and examples of legislation, national initiatives, best practices, promising programs and key research on timely issues.

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Stay Informed

View and subscribe to NCSL's civil and criminal justice newsletters.

CIVIL & CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Front End Justice

All Documents

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Mental Health

A person experiencing a mental health crisis is more likely to encounter law enforcement than they are to receive medical assistance. This report connects legislators to the tools they need to consider cost effective policies that respond to mental health issues and enhance public safety.

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Law Enforcement

Legislative interest in law enforcement continues to focus on improving officer safety while building accountabability and trust with their communities served. For more information, visit NCSL's Resources page.

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Criminal Justice

NCSL maintains criminal justice legislation and bill tracking databases on juvenile justice, pretrial release and more.

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NCSL Partners

NCSL partners with the Laura and John Arnold Foundation, and John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation's Safety and Justice Challenge on front-end justice policies.