Publications

  • Two people sitting at a table, talking and smiling, with books and papers in front of them.

    Legal Pathways for Deflection Programs for Support Services, Not Arrest Available in One-Third of States as of 2024

    Dataset

    Sep. 25, 2025

    The data capture details of deflection laws in all 50 states and the District of Columbia as of […]

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  • A white SUV driving on a sunny highway with mountain scenery.
    Evidence

    Primary Enforcement of Safety Belt Laws

    Jul. 31, 2019

    This article reviews the effectiveness of primary enforcement seatbelt laws in reducing injuries from motor vehicle crashes. Primary enforcement laws increase seatbelt use and reduce fatalities more effectively than secondary laws.

  • View from inside a car driving on a highway at sunset, with hands on the steering wheel and vehicles ahead.
    Evidence

    Red-Light Cameras to Reduce Motor Vehicle Crash Fatalities

    Jul. 31, 2019

    This article reviews the effectiveness of red-light cameras in reducing motor vehicle crash fatalities. Evidence supports their role in lowering fatal crashes, but more research is needed for overall crash reduction.

  • A man with a shopping basket stands in front of a variety of fruits and vegetables in a supermarket.
    Evidence

    Milk Fluoridation

    Jul. 31, 2019

    This article reviews milk fluoridation as a potential public health intervention for reducing tooth decay. Evidence is insufficient to establish its effectiveness in improving oral health.

  • Sign prohibiting smoking mounted on a red brick wall next to a glass door.
    Evidence

    Cigarette Excise Taxes and Tobacco Cessation

    Jul. 31, 2019

    This article discusses the effectiveness of cigarette excise taxes in reducing tobacco use and associated harms, highlighting systematic reviews showing decreased consumption due to price increases.

  • A wooden gavel resting on multicolored bar charts and graphs.
    Evidence

    Kinship Care for Abused Children

    Jul. 31, 2019

    This article discusses kinship care for maltreated children, highlighting legal policies and evidence supporting better outcomes for children in kinship care compared to non-kinship care placements.

  • Row of colorful townhouses with similar architectural features.
    Evidence

    Community Level Urban Design and Land Use Policies

    Jul. 31, 2019

    This article explores how community-level urban design and land use policies, including zoning changes, can promote physical activity by improving access to walking and biking infrastructure, supporting healthier behaviors.

  • Sign prohibiting smoking mounted on a red brick wall next to a glass door.
    Evidence

    Workplace Smoking Bans Reduce Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI)

    Jul. 31, 2019

    This article discusses the impact of workplace smoking bans on reducing the incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), providing evidence that these policies effectively lower health risks linked to smoking and secondhand smoke exposure.

  • cars driving on the highway
    Evidence

    Enhanced Enforcement of Safety Belt Laws

    Jul. 31, 2019

    This article demonstrates that enhanced enforcement of seatbelt laws is an effective public health intervention, increasing seatbelt use and reducing both fatal and nonfatal injuries associated with traffic accidents.

  • Empty courtroom showing judge's bench
    Evidence

    Transfer of Juvenile Offenders to Adult Criminal Courts

    Jul. 31, 2019

    This article examines the negative impact of juvenile offenders being transferred to adult criminal courts, showing increased recidivism, violence, and mental health issues among youth processed in adult systems.

  • Temple University Logo
    Evidence

    Bicycle Helmet Laws

    Jul. 31, 2019

    This article evaluates the effectiveness of bicycle helmet laws in reducing head injuries and fatalities, showing significant increases in helmet use and a reduction in head injuries as a result of the laws.

  • Man shopping for liquor in a grocery store aisle holding a red basket and a smartphone.
    Evidence

    Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Per Se Laws

    Jul. 31, 2019

    This article highlights evidence linking the Minimum Legal Drinking Age of 21 to reductions in alcohol consumption and alcohol-related crashes, showcasing it as a key public health intervention.

  • Interior of a bar with shelves of liquor bottles and hanging wine glasses, with a wooden counter and stools.
    Evidence

    Setting the Minimum Legal Drinking Age at 21 Years

    Jul. 31, 2019

    This article highlights evidence linking the Minimum Legal Drinking Age of 21 to reductions in alcohol consumption and alcohol-related crashes, showcasing it as a key public health intervention.

  • A group of people wearing face masks, standing outdoors.
    Evidence

    The Effects of Laws Authorizing Coercive Tuberculosis Control Measures

    Jul. 31, 2019

    This article reviews the impact of coercive tuberculosis control measures, including detention, on public health. Evidence is insufficient to conclude that detention improves population health.

  • A motorcyclist rides through a forested road, wearing a black jacket and helmet.
    Evidence

    The Effect of Universal Motorcycle Helmet Laws on Behavior

    Jul. 31, 2019

    This article reviews the effect of universal motorcycle helmet laws on increasing helmet use and reducing fatalities and injuries. Universal laws are shown to be effective, while partial laws have minimal impact.

  • Guns at gun show
    Evidence

    Gun Registration and Licensing Requirements

    Jul. 31, 2019

    This article discusses the effectiveness of gun registration and licensing requirements in reducing gun violence, exploring evidence and legal frameworks around firearms and gun violence. The impact remains uncertain due to inconsistent findings.