California’s Criminal Justice System: A Primer

January 31, 2007 - In an effort to put the current discussion of crime in California in perspective, we have prepared this report to answer several key questions, including:

• How much crime is there in California? How has the level of crime changed over time? How does crime vary within California, and among the states?
• Who are the victims and perpetrators of crime?
• How does the California criminal justice system-local law enforcement, courts, and correctional agencies-deal with adult and juvenile offenders?
• What are the characteristics of adult and juveniles under the supervision of local and state correctional agencies?
• What are the costs of crime and the criminal justice system?
• What are the key criminal justice issues for policymakers today?

A Primer: Three Strikes - The Impact After More Than a Decade

October 20, 2005 - In this piece, we summarize key provisions of Three Strikes and You’re Out; discuss the evolution of the law in the courts; estimate the impact of the law on state and local criminal justice systems; and evaluate to what extent the law achieved its original goals.

Cal Facts: 2013

January 2, 2013 - With a state as big, as populous, and as complex as California, it would be impossible to quickly summarize how its economy or state budget works. The purpose of Cal Facts is more modest. By providing various "snapshot" pieces of information, we hope to provide the reader with a broad overview of public finance and program trends in the state. Cal Facts consists of a series of charts and tables which address questions frequently asked of our office.

(1) California’s 1994 Crime Rate, and (2) Economic and Revenue Developments

August 28, 1995 - (1) California’s 1994 Crime Rate, and (2) Economic and Revenue Developments

Cal Facts: 2014

December 4, 2014 - With a state as big, as populous, and as complex as California, it would be impossible to quickly summarize how its economy or state budget works. The purpose of Cal Facts is more modest. By providing various "snapshot" pieces of information, we hope to provide the reader with a broad overview of public finance and program trends in the state. Cal Facts consists of a series of charts and tables which address questions frequently asked of our office.

^[PDF] The Impact of Recent Legislation on California's Burglary Rate and Sentencing Practices

January 1, 1985 - Chapter 42, Statutes of 1980 (SB 1236, Beverly), prohibits probation for persons convicted of residential burglary, except in unusual circumstances. Chapter 42 directed the Legislative Analyst to report to the Legislature on the measure's effects with respect to (1) the residential burglary rate and (2) sentencing for residential burglars. This report was prepared in response to that requirement.

(1) Smoking Trends in California: Adults Down, Teens Up, and (2) Economic and Revenue Developments

March 25, 1996 - (1) Smoking Trends in California: Adults Down, Teens Up, and (2) Economic and Revenue Developments

Rural Crime Prevention Program: Evaluation Shows Some Signs of Success

May 21, 2002 - Reducing losses due to rural crimes poses a significant challenge to policymakers and criminal justice officials. The Rural Crime Prevention program has had mixed results. Should the Legislature decide to reauthorize the program, we recommend steps to more effectively target it, and to improve data collection.

Perspectives on the Economy and Demographics 1996-97

February 21, 1996 - Perspectives on the Economy and Demographics 1996-97