The R Street Institute released a commentary on June 2 outlining its vision and strategic direction for criminal justice and civil liberties policy. The statement reflects on the evolution of major criminal justice movements in the United States and describes how public debates over crime, safety, and fairness have become increasingly polarized.
The commentary traces the development from the tough-on-crime era to evidence-based approaches known as ‘smart-on-crime,’ followed by more recent abolitionist movements. It states that while each movement contributed important perspectives, some proposed solutions have strayed from practical realities faced by law enforcement, courts, and correctional facilities. The institute said this has led to public concerns that reforms may overlook safety issues, resulting in political backlash.
“Americans want a society that both feels safe and is safe,” the commentary says. It calls for government responses to be locally led when possible and emphasizes wise use of taxpayer dollars. The statement highlights restoring public trust in institutions through competency, integrity, prudence, and restraint across all levels of the system—from law enforcement to prosecutors to courts.
The R Street Institute advocates for policies grounded in classically liberal values: limited but effective government power that protects fundamental liberties while ensuring public safety. “Voters are exhausted by rhetoric that demands they pick one side or the other,” it says. The organization pledges continued engagement with practitioners across political lines and commits to maintaining intellectual independence.
Key priorities identified include improving case clearances to strengthen police legitimacy, reforming bail policies to balance safety with unnecessary detention avoidance, expanding record sealing opportunities for rehabilitation, and promoting juvenile deflection programs. New areas of focus will address rule of law issues—such as defending federalism in state policing powers—behavioral health needs within the justice system, homelessness interventions, and responsible adoption of artificial intelligence technologies.
“People should feel safe in the ordinary places where they live their lives,” according to R Street Institute’s statement. The organization said it will continue working toward a fairer system where every person is treated with dignity.
