In this paper, I first summarize how greater reliance on evidence-based practices would allow the state courts to improve the effectiveness of state sentencing outcomes, reduce recidivism, and, at the same time, reduce over-reliance on incarceration and promote the utilization of community-based alternatives for appropriate offenders. Second, I then outline ten policy initiatives which the state courts could pursue in order to fully incorporate evidence-based practices into state sentencing policy. Finally, in an appendix I suggest twenty agenda topics for meetings of criminal justice policy teams interested in incorporating evidence-based practices into local sentencing practices. . . . [for full article click the PDF below]