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Oregon Topics: Justice and Crime

Beginning in 1994, voters passed measures requiring stronger sentences for offenders and mandatory work for most prison inmates. The measures were largely in response to a feeling that the pendulum of justice had moved in favor of criminal offenders at the expense of victims and respect for the law. Now, questions arise about how society can afford to pay for more incarcerations.
 
This section includes the state agencies that deal with portions of the justice spectrum, from crime prevention to incarceration and parole. It also has links to homeland security sites that have risen to prominence since the terrorist attacks of 9/11/2001.
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old wooden jail
Issues related to justice and crime have changed greatly since the old Elgin City Jail was built in 1897. (Oregon State Archives Photo)