As the article's author contends, public concern has mounted about the essentially permanent stigma created by a criminal record. This article takes a systematic look at state reforms and integrates them into a more workable and effective whole, which I call the Reintegrative State.

It makes four contributions to the literature on collateral consequences and criminal records. First, it argues that there is a state interest to create a process to remove civil legal disabilities triggered by a conviction. Second, the article argues that reintegrating people with convictions back into society is consistent with the state's interest in punishment and public safety. Third, it critiques current state experiments. Finally, it argues that the state should destigmatize a person with a conviction. To do so effectively, the author argues, the state must incorporate reintegration approaches throughout the criminal justice system.

The Reintegrative State envisions a holistic framework for helping those with criminal records re-assimilate into society.