Dempsey: The State of the Judiciary Address: Being Tough and Smart on Crime

This week the Senate was invited to the Chamber of the House of Representatives to receive the annual State of the Judiciary address delivered by the Chief Justice of the Missouri Supreme Court, Ray Price. In his speech, Judge Price offered legislators an insightful and thought-provoking look at some important issues facing the Judiciary.

The Chief Justice reminded legislators of the dramatic growth in the amount of money the State of Missouri has spent on our correctional system over the last three decades. For example, in 1982 there were 5,953 people incarcerated in Missouri at a cost of $55 million. By 2009 this number had reached 30,432 and spending on the Department of Corrections was $665 million. The cost for each inmate is estimated to be $16,400 per year.

Another disturbing trend highlighted by Judge Price is the high recidivism rate for those who have been in prison. Almost 60% of inmates incarcerated for what are classified as “non-violent” offenses are returned to prison within only five years.

There are, however, some bright spots in our corrections system that may help break this downward spiral of re-incarceration. Missouri is home to several special courts known as Drug and DWI Courts. These courts attempt to address the underlying issues that land many people behind bars. Participants in these court programs are provided with special treatment to break their substance addictions. They are also given the opportunity to learn practical job skills and to develop habits of personal responsibility.

Those who comply with their court-ordered treatment can avoid lengthy incarceration and stand a better chance of returning to society as a productive member. Keeping these individuals out of the prison system also helps lower recidivism rates by limiting contact with more hardened criminals and their destructive influences.

Beyond merely providing for the punishment of criminals, Judge Price also reminded the legislature of the fundamental role of the Judiciary in providing a stable and predictable society in which freedom and prosperity can flourish.

If you have any thoughts on issues involving the costs of incarceration or any other topic raised in this year’s State of the Judiciary address, please don’t hesitate to contact my office.