The Politics of Justice Reform in Washington State

Abstract

In recent years, Washington State has attempted criminal justice reform, but public backlash often forces it to be rolled back. From police pursuits to drug possession laws, prioritizing public safety with punitive approaches is the status quo, despite the growing evidence that supports more efficient methods. This creates a challenging environment to enact reform. This study assesses the feasibility of correctional reform in Washington State and investigates how policymakers and criminal justice professionals perceive the factors that hinder or facilitate reform. The study used a qualitative case study design based on five semi-structured interviews with participants from various political and professional backgrounds, allowing the study to explore areas of disagreement and consensus. Three main themes were identified from the interviews.