This dissertation examines the political dynamics of criminal justice reform in the United States, focusing on the interplay between voters, elected prosecutors, and police departments. It introduces a novel framework for understanding voter preferences along extensive (scope) and intensive (severity) margins of criminal justice policy. Through a case study of a reform prosecutor recall election, the research demonstrates how electoral accountability hinges on accurately gauging public attitudes along these margins. The study also reveals police behavior shifts in response to prosecutor elections, evidencing a slowdown during reform efforts and increased activity post-recall. Additionally, it explores the role of racial and political group dispositions in shaping voters' criminal justice policy preferences, highlighting the influence of Black voter cues and racial attitudes. By illuminating the complex incentives and motivations of key stakeholders, this dissertation offers critical insights for aligning institutional behavior with criminal justice reform goals, contributing to both theoretical understanding and practical policy implementation.