Reason Writers Around the Web: Radley Balko Talks Criminal Justice With The Atlantic

In a multi-part interview with the new Ideas blog at The Atlantic, Reason senior editor Radley Balko discusses problems with the criminal justice system, his own reporting on civil liberties issues, and suggests areas in need of reform.

Here's part one.

Comments

[Russ]

We have way too many laws, many that are too broadly written, and too many incentives nudging the state toward putting too many people in prison for as long as possible.

Whenever someone tells me "coarsening of the culture", this is what I point out as the culprit.

[robc]

What is with the one question per part crap?

[Radley Balko]

I think it's more that I gave a ridiculously long answer.

[Michael Ejercito]

The problem with the criminal justice system is humans .

[GILMORE]

Good one, Radley. Glad you're getting the recognition.

Too bad this isnt in print for posterity. I thought the 'ridiculously long answer' probably could have been given a few more paragraphs, frankly. Its not like its not a complex or meaty enough question.

I find The Atlantic has gotten slightly less, I don't know - serious? - in the last few years. The Britney Spears cover story being the low water mark. Similar to the apocalyptic Time cover stories that you recently pointed out... the Atlantic has done a run of 'hyperbolic rhetorical question' cover stories over the last year or so. Highlights including:

- The End of White America?

- Should Women Rule the World?

- Is Google Making You Stupid?

(note: they ran a story called, "Is Google Making You Smarter?" this month)

- Is Israel Finished?

- Which Religion Will "Win"?

(http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/backissues.mhtml)

That said, the Atlantic is still one of my fave mags along with the Economist and Reason.