Crime, Reform & Abolition

562 posts

Series: How local politics shape the criminal justice system

With nearly 2.3 million people throughout the United States locked up in jails, prisons, immigrant detention centers, and other forms of confinement, mass incarceration and criminal justice reform have rightfully begun to command widespread attention. Indeed, an ACLU poll found that 91% of Americans support some form of criminal

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3 Min
By: Ashton Lattimore

These organizations are fighting for criminal justice reform. Here’s how you can help.

by Prism Staff Across the country, grassroots organizations are fighting for criminal justice reform: advocating for restoration of voting rights, pushing to end pretrial incarceration, dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline, and more. Check out these groups working on the ground in major cities nationwide, and learn how you can get involved.

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3 Min
By: Prism Staff

How the judicial selection process can prop up bias in the criminal justice system

Earlier this year in Harris County, Texas, 17 Black women were elected to the judiciary, bringing the total number of Black judges in the county to 25, or 33%. In the wake of the national media attention that followed, one of the candidates shared how her grassroots outreach campaign sparked

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4 Min
By: Kisha Brown

Explainer: Who’s who in the criminal justice system?

Do you know what would happen if you were arrested today? Which official would choose what crimes to charge you with? Who would determine how many charges you’d face? And if you were convicted, do you know who would decide your sentence? It’s not only up to the

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7 Min
By: Orion Rodriguez

Strapped for resources, public defenders fight for a share of local city budgets

Right now, countless indigent defendants in New Orleans, Louisiana, have been sitting in jail for weeks or even months as they wait to be appointed counsel. At the same time, the city’s public defender’s office is desperately fighting for a higher budget. Without one, the fate of confined

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8 Min
By: Carolyn Copeland

How LA RED is working to hold county sheriffs accountable

Across the United States, hundreds of thousands of people are confined within local jails, including those operated at the county level. Jails, which can also be a pipeline to deportation centers, are overseen by some of the most pivotal officials in law enforcement: sheriffs.  Local sheriffs can have the authority

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3 Min
By: Carolyn Copeland

Rare exoneration in Los Angeles highlights DA’s lagging record on overturning wrongful convictions

The courtroom filled with applause. After 11 years in prison and five rejected appeals fighting his 47-year sentence for a series of armed robberies in Los Angeles, Ruben Martinez Jr. was finally able to walk free. In a courtroom full of Martinez’s family and friends, Los Angeles County District

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6 Min
By: Alexandra Arriaga

Formerly incarcerated Norris Henderson a ‘beacon’ for criminal justice reform in Louisiana

The day after Louisiana’s November election, Norris Henderson went back to the prison where he spent 27 years of his life. He visits frequently—it’s where he goes to stay connected with the people he fights for from the outside. The Republican gubernatorial candidate, Eddie Rispone, spent months

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4 Min
By: Alexandra Arriaga

After a man who threatened Rep. Ilhan Omar pleaded guilty, she asks for compassion in his sentencing

In response to the guilty plea of an Islamophobic Trump supporter who threatened her life, Rep. Ilhan Omar has called for compassion in his sentencing. Patrick W. Carlineo Jr., 55, of Addison, New York, pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday to charges of threatening to assault and murder a United

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2 Min
By: Alexandra Arriaga

Newest wave of progressive DAs could propel ongoing criminal justice reform in state legislatures

In red and blue states alike, recent victories by candidates promising progressive changes to the criminal justice system have revealed the extent to which the cause has started to gain traction throughout the country. With would-be reformers newly elected to office as prosecutors, legislators, and even governor in November, there

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4 Min
By: Alexandra Arriaga

Ayanna Pressley unveils comprehensive progressive vision to reshape criminal justice system

On Thursday, Massachusetts Democratic Rep. Ayanna Pressley introduced a “decarceration-focused” resolution aimed at reshaping the criminal justice system and dramatically reducing jail and prison populations. “You cannot have a government for and by the people if it is not represented by all of the people,” Pressley said in a statement.

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2 Min
By: Alexandra Arriaga

A DA wanted to strip the rights of noncitizens. Then reporters started asking questions

After expressing support earlier this year for revoking protections for noncitizens who are convicted of first-time misdemeanor drug offenses in California, Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey has reversed course in the face of public scrutiny. This marks the second time since taking office that Lacey has advocated for

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3 Min
By: Carolyn Copeland

Showing 12 of 562 total posts

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