Justice Policy Issues

This page offers an easy way for policymakers to access justice policy research and analysis that is relevant to current Congressional agendas. For additional information, to request documents, or to arrange a briefing, contact the RAND Office of Congressional Relations at ocr@rand.org or (703) 413-1100 x5643.

Recent Findings

  • Commentary

    From the Ashes of Hamas-Israel War, Can Economics Drive Peace?

    The economic costs of the violence in Gaza threaten Israel's economic future. For the Palestinians, the costs may be so large that they undermine the possibility of an independent Palestinian state. But the magnitude of these economic losses may, paradoxically, forge a new pathway toward peace once the fighting stops.

    Nov 28, 2023

  • Commentary

    Political Manifestos Should Do Better Than “Legalise It”

    After years of political deadlock, a new era for drug policy in the Netherlands seems to be on the horizon. At least two factors are increasing politicians' appetite for change: increased awareness of the problems of drug-related organized crime in the Netherlands, and Dutch drug policy no longer being ahead of the curve.

    Nov 21, 2023

  • Commentary

    Human Rights Issues in Russia May Offer U.S. Leverage

    The 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights reminds us of how much human rights diplomacy has reshaped and enriched international relations. Inspired by this, Washington might pursue more proactive human rights diplomacy with Moscow. If the United States takes this path, how might it proceed?

    Nov 20, 2023

  • Report

    Crime-Free Housing Policies Increase Evictions in Minority and Low-Income Neighborhoods, but Do Not Lead to Reductions in Crime

    Policies that encourage landlords to evict tenants who have involvement with the criminal justice system do not appear to reduce crime, while increasing evictions among Black residents and people with lower incomes.

    Nov 17, 2023

  • Commentary

    Budget Models Are Underselling the Benefits of Solving Climate Problems

    When Congress considers a new law or spending package, analysts calculate its likely impact on the federal budget. When it comes to climate change legislation, those numbers don't capture the whole picture. Potential savings and other benefits get significantly underestimated.

    Nov 15, 2023

More Research on Justice Policy

Briefings

For more information on these and other Congressional briefings, contact the Office of Congressional Relations.

  • Event

    Protecting Consumer Data: Considerations for Congress

    Many of the laws that govern data privacy were developed before the widespread adoption of online communications and social media accounts. Should consumers be in charge of self-regulating what they share and how companies use it? Rebecca Balebako and John Davis will discuss policy opportunities for better protecting consumer data. [Washington, D.C.]

    Jun 8, 2018

  • Event

    States vs. the Federal Government: Marijuana Legalization in the United States

    As the marijuana policy landscape continues to change from state to state, the substance remains illegal under federal law. How can action abroad help inform policy in the United States, and what are Congress' options?

    Jun 9, 2017

  • Event

    Insights About Marijuana Legalization in the United States

    Marijuana legalization is a complex issue under serious debate. As Vermont prepares to vote on legalization, this briefing reviews a RAND report that analyzes income-earning potential for the state, marijuana policy in the U.S. and abroad, alternatives to marijuana prohibition, and how federal-state conflicts can impact policy choices.

    Jan 21, 2015

More Briefings by Topic

Alerts & Newsletters

RAND periodically sends alerts and newsletters to update Congress on highlights of recent work about judiciary issues.

  • Considering Justice Policy in the 118th Congress

    What are the biggest justice policy policy issues facing the 118th Congress? RAND experts offer up insight on a variety of justice topics in recent years, including drug policy, gun policy, health care consolidation and integration, violent extremism, and more.

    Feb 15, 2023

  • RAND Research on Marijuana

    As policymakers consider legislative proposals to legalize marijuana, RAND experts can provide an objective and data-driven perspective on questions such as taxation design, health effects, and social equity.

    Apr 13, 2021

  • What We Know and Don't Know About Cannabis

    Cannabis policy is on the agenda across the nation as the federal and state governments confront questions about cannabis legalization, taxation options, and consequences for youth.

    Apr 11, 2019

  • In Case You Missed It: Scientific Research Could Reduce Disagreements on Gun Policy

    How can Congress help build a robust and transformative gun policy research enterprise? RAND's Andrew Morral discusses ideas that could improve the quality of research needed to help craft policies that could contribute to reducing gun injuries, deaths, and violence.

    Mar 28, 2019

  • Considering Justice Policy in the 116th Congress

    What are the biggest justice policy issues facing the 116th Congress? RAND experts offer up insight on a variety of topics, including drug policy, gun policy, and criminal justice reform.

    Jan 25, 2019

  • In Case You Missed It: Evolution of the U.S. Overdose Crisis

    RAND's Bryce Pardo discusses China's role in the production and supply of synthetic opioids and outlines some actions lawmakers can take to reduce this problem beyond traditional drug policy tools.

    Sep 21, 2018

  • Judiciary Issues in the 115th Congress

    From drug policy and criminal justice to immigration and cybersecurity—RAND expertise covers many of the issues that are likely to confront the 115th Congress.

    Apr 13, 2017

  • How Effective Is Correctional Education, and Where Do We Go from Here?

    According to RAND research, inmates who take part in education programs have 43% lower odds of returning to prison. The findings also suggest a return on investment of $4 to $5 during the first three years after release for each $1 invested in prison education.

    Sep 24, 2015

  • Police-Community Relations: Respect and Legitimacy Is a Two-Way Street

    What can be done to help repair the fractures in trust between some police departments and the communities they serve? Much of the responsibility does in fact fall to local communities, but several actions can be taken at the federal level to help shape and drive change.

    May 12, 2015

  • RAND On Corporate Behavior, Corrections Needs, and Malpractice Reform

    From criminalizing corporate behavior and high-priority technology needs for the corrections sector to malpractice reform savings through a reduction in defensive medicine, RAND examines current judicial issues and offers recommendations.

    Feb 16, 2015

  • Drugs and Drug Policy in America: What's Next for Policymakers?

    RAND has research and experts available to provide information for policymakers preparing legislation related to drug policy. Topics include substance use and trends, marijuana policy, drug treatment programs, prevention strategies, economics of drugs markets, and more.

    Mar 13, 2014

Subscribe to RAND Newsletters

Testimony

2009 and prior

More Testimony

Briefs

More Research on Law and Business