Making Sense of Sentencing: How thoughtful sentencing can reduce crime and transform offenders

For the past quarter-century, the dominant theory in criminal justice has maintained that lengthy incarceration, based on broad, standardized criteria, is the best way to reduce crime. But a growing body of evidence suggests that flexible sentencing practices based on a careful examination of the facts of each case can result in reducing crime, helping ex-offenders become valuable members of society and saving taxpayers money. Some offenders may be truly ‘beyond the pale’ and can never safely be released; but for others, job training, drug treatment or careful monitoring can make a bigger difference than length of incarceration.

Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Michael Marcus and Federal District Court Chief Judge Anne Aiken are two nationally known pioneers of flexible sentencing practices. They will explain to City Club how we can have, in the phrase of criminologist Mark Kleiman, “less crime and less punishment.” Purchase tickets at www.pdxcityclub.org or call 503-228-7231 x110.

Where: The Governor Hotel, 614 SW 11th Ave., Portland OR 97205

When: Doors open at 11:30 AM, Program begins at 12:15 PM and concludes at 1:15 PM

Transportation and parking: The Governor Hotel is accessible by bus, Portland Streetcar and MAX light rail. A SmartPark garage is located one block away from the Governor Hotel at 730 S.W. 10th Ave.

Cost: Luncheon tickets are $16 for City Club members and up to two guests, $20 for nonmembers. Limited coffee/tea table tickets are $5 and are available at the door on a first-come, first-served basis. General seating is free for members and $5 for nonmembers. A limited number of $5 coffee/tea tickets are available at the door on a first-come, first-served basis.

Reservations: Reservations required for lunches only; reservations close at 2 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to the event. Reservations for lunch are strongly encouraged. To reserve a lunch via telephone, individuals (members and non-members) should call our voice mail reservation line, 503-228-7231, ext. 110. A limited number of lunch tickets are generally available at the door. Luncheon tickets reserved after the 2:00 PM Wednesday deadline or purchased at the door will be subject to an additional $4 charge. General seating and coffee/tea tickets will be available at the door.

The generous financial support from corporate sponsors makes City Club’s time-honored luncheons possible. If your company or firm would like to be a Friday Forum sponsor, please contact City Club at 503-228-7231 x104 or email [email protected].