Letter to the Editor
Oct. 27, 2015
LETTER: Beware dangers of risk assessment tools
A response to Professor W. David Ball's Oct. 21 column, "Misplaced blame on Prop. 47 creates risk." By Todd A. Howeth and Michael c. McMahon
Professor W. David Ball recently wrote an excellent column, "Misplaced blame on Prop. 47 creates risk" (Oct. 21). Risk/Needs Assessment instruments (RNA) are excellent tools for reducing pretrial detention and are a far better approach than a uniform "bail schedule."
We write to point out the danger of judges using these instruments to increase the length of incarceration, whether imposed or suspended, at the time of sentencing. In 2011, a...
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