first-order

Of one of a series of models, languages, relationship, forms of logical discourse, etc., being the simplest one or the first in a sequence.

Of fundamental importance.

If our goal is to put out the fire—to alleviate a humanitarian crisis broadly referenced in mainstream discourse as "mass incarceration" and "overcriminalization"— that are the specific benefits that flow from making fair policymaking process a first-order principle in the criminal-justice reform movement?