Date of Award

12-17-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Criminal Justice

First Advisor

Robert Lytle

Abstract

Changes in the policy process is one of the lesser explored phenomena within the field of criminal justice. A basis of knowledge about changes in various criminal justice policy processes in the U.S., could benefit scholars and practitioners alike. This thesis explores changes in content of pretrial release policy (PRP) portfolios in states with the least policy activity both within and across states over time. A thematic content analysis of PRPs from eight U.S. states (Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Maine, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming) revealed how PRPs have changed in those states over time. States that had fewer than 500 hits on the initial search of the term “pretrial” were deemed to be states with the least policy activity. There were 8 states with fewer than 500 hits on this search which resulted in an abundant sample size with a timeframe of 33 years (1987- 2020). I examined state policy portfolios separately then in comparison with one another. By documenting these policies over time, I observed changes and additions to PRPs over time, which affect pretrial decisions and procedures. In addition to tracking change over time, an analysis of PRP portfolios allowed me to better understand the meaning and values central to pretrial release in states with the least policy activity. Two themes (Guided Discretion and Accumulated Legislative Involvement) emerged that aided in the understanding of the purposes and meaning in changes to PRPs over time. A basis of knowledge regarding the variations identified in PRPs in this study can provide a foundation for future research and theory development surrounding PRP design and change.

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