About the Sponsoring Organizations

Citizens Alliance on Prisons and Public Spending (CAPPS)

The Citizens Alliance on Prisons and Public Spending, a non-profit public policy organization, is concerned about the social and economic costs of prison expansion. Because policy choices, not crime rates, have caused our prison population to explode, CAPPS advocates re-examining those policies and shifting our resources to public services that prevent crime, rehabilitate offenders, and address the needs of all our citizens in a cost-effective manner.

To achieve these goals, CAPPS develops data-driven proposals for reducing the prison population while ensuring public safety. It informs policymakers, advocacy groups, the news media, and the general public about these issues through numerous means, including a web site, a newsletter, research reports, legislative testimony, speaking appearances, and the distribution of information kits to legislators and the media.

Criminal Law Section, State Bar of Michigan

The Criminal Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan provides education, information and analysis about issues of concern through meetings, seminars, its web site, public service programs, and publication of a newsletter. It promotes research projects, supports the publication of legal writing and adopts positions on issues in the field of criminal law. Statements made on behalf of the Section do not necessarily reflect the views of the State Bar of Michigan.

The purposes of the Criminal Law Section are:

• to study the criminal law and procedure of the State of Michigan, making recommendations to the State Bar of Michigan, elected officials, the Legislature, the Judiciary and the general public of this State concerning alterations, innovations, and improvements therein so as to promote justice and the efficient administration of justice, and to protect the public and the rights of each individual;
• to promote means of reducing the volume of crime in the State of Michigan; and
• to promote effective institutional and non-institutional correction and rehabilitation of individuals convicted of violating criminal laws of the State.

Michigan Corrections Association

The Michigan Corrections Association is a membership organization that seeks to promote professionalism and high standards of work performance; to promote an interchange of ideas and experience, at all levels, concerning functions and methods in corrections, correctional institutions and related fields; to educate and inform the public and practitioners; to foster sound legislation and to promote quality services which can impact crime and delinquency in the State of Michigan.

Michigan Council on Crime and Delinquency

The Michigan Council on Crime and Delinquency (MCCD) was founded in 1956 by concerned citizen leaders from throughout the state as a vehicle to assure that the laws and policies aimed at controlling crime were fair, effective and affordable. Its services remain outcome focused and dedicated to advancing research-based, prevention-focused systems and programs.

The Council has two divisions. The Public Policy and Technical Assistance Division includes research and data analysis, public education, community planning and development, and professional training and advocacy. The Family and Community Services Division provides direct services to families and offenders regarding family reunification, literacy, mentoring and parole planning. MCCD continues to advance investment in research based programs, establishment of fair and effective policies, utilization of balanced and restorative justice principles, community prevention planning and services that break the family cycle of crime.

Prisons and Corrections Section, State Bar of Michigan 

The purposes of the Prisons and Corrections Section of the State Bar of Michigan are: to study and debate the operation of the criminal justice system as it affects incarcerated persons, their families and the public, alternatives to incarceration, the functioning of jails, prisons and parole, and post-incarceration issues; to educate its members and the general public; and to make recommendations to the State Bar, public officials, the legislature and the judiciary regarding the adoption of rational, effective and fair policies in these areas. The Section seeks to achieve these purposes by publishing a newsletter, sponsoring and conducting conferences and training programs, adopting positions on public policy decisions affecting matters within its jurisdiction, and promoting the development of a cohesive corrections policy through empirical research and cross-professional dialogue. Statements made on behalf of the Section do not necessarily reflect the views of the State Bar of Michigan.

This is a website sponsored by the Prisons and Corrections Section of the Michigan State Bar for special programs, conferences and materials. Mailing Address: Prisons and Corrections Section, State Bar of Michigan, P.O. Box 12037, Lansing, Michigan 48901-2037
© Copyright 2008, Balancing Our Priorities. All Rights Reserved