Lost Opportunities: The Reality of Latinos in the U.S. Criminal Justice System

Lost Opportunities: The Reality of Latinos in the U.S. Criminal Justice System examines the available data on the status of Latinos in the criminal justice system. It offers an extensive look at how the U.S. criminal justice system works, the factors underlying the overrepresentation of Latinos in the system, and the specific problems associated with the prosecution and treatment of individuals with substance abuse dependency issues. The discussion also provides an analysis and recommendations for replacing the downward spiral of incarceration and recidivism with smart solutions leading to positive outcomes for Latinos and community safety.