Jennifer Doleac: The Science of Second Chances in Criminal Justice

Jennifer Doleac: The Science of Second Chances in Criminal Justice

Author: Commonwealth Club of California April 28, 2026 Duration: 1:02:20
Jennifer Doleac studies the economics of crime and discrimination. And when she considers criminal justice reform, she’s not only hopeful but actually optimistic that things can improve for the entire system as a whole. In her new book The Science of Second Chances, Doleac lays out her view of how to reduce both crime and incarceration. She draws on cutting-edge economic research and experiments to offer a reform blueprint. She says shifting the incentives that people face can produce dramatic changes in the decisions they make, which can result in significantly fewer people going through the criminal justice system.  From DNA databases that increase the likelihood of catching repeat offenders to leniency programs for first-time defendants, she reveals a series of surprising interventions that she says actually work, along with cautionary tales about great ideas that never panned out. Doleac says we can have both public safety and a smaller, “less intrusive” justice system without waiting for big structural reforms that might never happen.  Can small changes result in big results? Come with your questions and find out when Jennifer Doleac joins us in San Francisco. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For nearly a century, the Commonwealth Club of California Podcast has served as a vital platform for civic dialogue, directly from the nation's largest public affairs forum. Each episode captures live, thoughtful conversations with leading voices from across the political spectrum and various fields, all committed to exploring the most pressing issues of our time. As a nonpartisan and nonprofit operation, the Club’s priority is substance over soundbite, fostering a depth of discussion that is increasingly rare. You’ll hear authors, policymakers, scientists, and cultural figures engage in nuanced debates and detailed analyses, reflecting a genuine diversity of perspectives. This isn't just a recording of events; it's an ongoing, accessible chronicle of American and global thought. The audio you find in this podcast feed originates from the longest-running weekly radio broadcast of its kind in the United States, a tradition started in 1924, now shared with a modern audience. Updated frequently throughout the week, the feed ensures you have direct access to a forum where complex ideas about government, society, and current events are given the time and respect they deserve. Tune in for a consistently enlightening experience that challenges assumptions and provides context far beyond the daily headlines.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Commonwealth Club of California Podcast
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