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Summary

Bazemore, Gordon and Stinchcomb, Jeanne B (2003). Symposium on Race, Crime, and Voting: Social, Political, and Philosophical Perspectives on Felony Disenfranchisement in America: Civic Engagement and Reintegration: Toward a Community-Focused Theory and Practice. Columbia Human Rights Law Review. 36: 241-286.

A majority of states in the United States deny voting rights to convicted felons until the end of their incarceration or the end of their probationary scheme. Several states permanently disenfranchise felons. Bazemore and Stinchcomb view this as ultimately an issue of social justice rather than an issue of criminology or criminal justice. As such, they assert that it should be addressed in a values-oriented dialogue about how societies wish to view themselves and to be viewed by others. While Bazemore and Stinchcomb believe the social justice and moral arguments for overturning these kinds of restrictions on voting are overwhelmingly convincing, in this article they concentrate on the practical concerns about disenfranchisement in connection with reintegration of ex-offenders into society. In this regard, they examine the following: theory, research, practice, and the community in prisoner re-entry; identity transformation and reintegration; democratic participation and reintegration; life course research and reintegration; and social capital, collective efficacy, and reintegration.

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