Cynthia Golembeski

Centers administration in U.S. jails and prisons as a case study. Reviews diverse literature and undertakes a conceptual analysis of balancing politics and administration as a constitutional principle, which establishes guidance and legitimacy for exercising administrative discretion. Argues that adopting a democratic constitutionalist framework enhances the capacity to protect constitutional and statutory rights, prevent liability, and promote health and safety for both incarcerated individuals and staff. Stresses the importance of leveraging soft power as part of duty-based ethics to uphold the Constitution.

Provides background on bail and pretrial justice policies and politics; outlines evidence of related consequences; describes select reform efforts and philanthropic tools, including the charitable bail organization The Bail Project; and contextualizes bail and pretrial justice within a public values framework, which centers social equity and incorporates critical race theory alongside politics and public ethics of care.

Discusses how policymakers and health professionals can advance understanding and mitigate present and anticipated public health threats by increasing transparency, accountability, and human rights protections with an emphasis on decarceration and decarbonization.

Elaborates on how bans and eligibility modifications for people with felony drug convictions limit SNAP benefit access. Discusses how food insecurity, recidivism, and poor mental and physical health outcomes are positively associated with such bans. 

Discusses how misinformation amplified by political elites can lead to an increase in racism and discrimination against racial and ethnic minorities and other populations who experience vulnerabilities.

Explores how health and economic inequities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately harm women, and particularly women of color, involved in the criminal legal system.

Discusses how over 1,000,000 women are under supervision of the U.S. criminal legal system. Outlines how with increased numbers in prison there are direct or indirect health effects impacting families and communities due to these increases.