State governments, known as 'laboratories of democracy,' design policies but often face implementation gaps. Existing theories on policy learning fall short. This study examines why some states acknowledge failed juvenile justice policies while others do not.

Through case studies focused on Texas and Washington state failures:

* Highlights the role of bureaucratic capacity in gathering data

* Contrasts this with analytical capacity for interpretation

The research argues that robust data collection systems are essential, regardless of policy or institutional design. This insight reveals the critical importance of administrative infrastructure.