Martinson Report

The Martinson Report, formally titled "What Works?" was published in 1974 by a group led by psychologist Robert Martinson. It evaluated various correctional programs aimed at reducing recidivism among offenders. The report concluded that most rehabilitation efforts were ineffective. It presented the idea that certain treatment programs could be beneficial, but overall, many approaches did not work as intended. This sparked significant debate and led to a shift in focus toward more evidence-based practices in criminal justice, emphasizing the importance of understanding what actually helps reduce repeat offenses.