Center for Justice Innovation

The Center for Court Innovation conceives, plans, and operates programs that seek to test new ideas, solve difficult problems, and achieve system change.

[15] While the center’s programs cover a broad range of topics and differ in size, the approach is always the same: thoughtful, collaborative planning, an emphasis on creativity, and the rigorous use of data to document results.

The center’s projects have achieved tangible results like safer streets,[16] reduced levels of incarceration and fear,[17] and improved neighborhood perceptions of justice.

[27] One of their court-affiliated restorative justice programs, Circles for Safe Streets, facilitates discussions between drivers and the people they have injured during a traffic collision.

[28] The Center for Court Innovation provides hands-on, expert assistance to reformers around the world, including judges, attorneys, justice officials, community organizations, and others.

Their assistance takes many forms, including help with analyzing data, facilitating planning sessions, and hosting site visits to our operating programs in the New York City area.

[34] Researchers at the center conduct independent evaluations, document how government systems work, how neighborhoods function, and how reform efforts create change.

In 2010, Urban Institute Press published Trial & Error in Criminal Justice Reform: Learning from Failure[35] by Greg Berman and Aubrey Fox.