Preface; 1. Rationale: what risk algorithms can do for the criminal justice system; 2. Fit: why and when data about groups are relevant to individuals; 3. Validity: figuring out when risk algorithms are sufficiently accurate; 4. Fairness: avoiding unjust algorithms egalitarian injustice; 5. Structure: limiting retributivism and individual prevention; 6. Moving forward: the need for experimentation.
Properly developed algorithms can reduce incarceration and help policymakers adopt more legally sophisticated bail and sentencing practices.
Christopher Slobogin holds the Milton Underwood Chair at Vanderbilt University Law School. He has authored or co-authored eight books and over 150 articles on criminal justice issues. He is one of the most heavily cited law professors in the criminal justice field and is the only law professor to have received Distinguished Scholar awards from both the American Psychology-Law Society and the American Board of Forensic Psychology.
'In Just Algorithms, Christopher Slobogin – one of the most
incisive criminal law scholars of his generation-makes plain how
scientifically-valid risk assessment could transform the criminal
justice system, from the pretrial detention of suspected offenders
through the sentencing of convicted offenders. The transparent
'jurisprudence of risk' articulated here is a blueprint for
thorough systemic reform.' John Monahan, PhD, Shannon Distinguished
Professor of Law and Psychology, University of Virginia
'At a time of hot debate about the dangers of big data and machine
learning, Just Algorithms is a welcome addition to the literature.
Slobogin's basic premise is that, if applied judiciously, risk
assessment instruments could help achieve meaningful reform in the
criminal justice system. Slobogin unpacks and addresses important
critiques of risk assessment-including concerns about racial
bias-in the comparative context of maintaining the status quo. He
also argues for revolutionary changes to the current sentencing
regime. The book is beautifully grounded in law and research – but
innovative, concise, and refreshingly clear. A must read for anyone
with an interest in criminal justice.' Jennifer Skeem, Florence
Krenz Mack Professor of Social Welfare and Professor of Public
Policy, University of California, Berkeley
'In Just Algorithms, Slobogin offers a thoughtful and much-needed
discussion of the promise and perils of predictive algorithms in
the criminal justice system. The book is a must-read for
policymakers, practitioners, and researchers grappling with
challenging questions on the role of algorithms in driving lasting
reform.' Sharad Goel, Assistant Professor of Management Science and
Engineering and, by Courtesy, of Computer Science, of Sociology and
of Law, Stanford University
'Just Algorithms puts risk assessment instruments at the center of
American decarceration policy, arguing that they should be the main
guideposts for parole-release decisions to shorten the nation's
overlong prison terms. At the same time, Professor Slobogin
advocates Olympian legal protections to guard against inaccuracy,
unfairness, and racial bias in risk-influenced decisions. His
vision would give unprecedented new rights to incarcerated persons
– reaching toward a much-needed Due Process revolution in US prison
policy.' Kevin R. Reitz, James Annenberg La Vea Professor of Law,
University of Minnesota
'... one of the first in-depth, systematic legal arguments in favor
of automating justice that considers legal and scientific aspects
of criminal punishment via the simulation of recidivism. As such,
the book is necessary reading for anyone seriously interested in
criminal justice reform and the ethical, legal, and social
implications of applying data science technologies in judicial
contexts.' Michael Spezio, Science
'… Just Algorithm[s] ... [is] a valuable contribution to the
scholarly literature.' Aziz Z. Huq, Rutgers
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