Proposition 36 threatens criminal justice reforms critical for safety and public health by favoring increased prison time over effective prevention strategies. [ more ]
San Jose leaders push Proposition 36 as critics fight back - San Jose Spotlight
Proposition 36 aims to tighten laws on retail theft and drug crimes, potentially increasing incarceration rates and reversing criminal justice reforms. [ more ]
Santa Clara County DA voices support for Prop. 47 in face of Prop. 36 rollback measure
Santa Clara County DA Jeff Rosen supports Proposition 47 for reducing prison populations but is cautious about changes proposed by Proposition 36. [ more ]
Progressive California lawmakers rally against Proposition 36
California lawmakers oppose Proposition 36, viewing it as a threat to progress in criminal justice reform and detrimental to underserved communities. [ more ]
Proposition 36 threatens criminal justice reforms critical for safety and public health by favoring increased prison time over effective prevention strategies. [ more ]
San Jose leaders push Proposition 36 as critics fight back - San Jose Spotlight
Proposition 36 aims to tighten laws on retail theft and drug crimes, potentially increasing incarceration rates and reversing criminal justice reforms. [ more ]
Santa Clara County DA voices support for Prop. 47 in face of Prop. 36 rollback measure
Santa Clara County DA Jeff Rosen supports Proposition 47 for reducing prison populations but is cautious about changes proposed by Proposition 36. [ more ]
Progressive California lawmakers rally against Proposition 36
California lawmakers oppose Proposition 36, viewing it as a threat to progress in criminal justice reform and detrimental to underserved communities. [ more ]
California lawmakers got tougher on crime this year. What will Newsom decide?
California's legislature is altering its approach to criminal justice reform by implementing stricter crime bills in response to rising public concerns about crime. [ more ]
Mayor Adams Dismisses Council's Override on 2025 Reelection Bid
Mayor Eric Adams loses battle with City Council as they vote to override his vetoes on criminal justice reform bills.
Adams continues to prioritize public safety over his own political career, stating that his focus is on protection and preventing harm to innocent people in New York City. [ more ]
California lawmakers got tougher on crime this year. What will Newsom decide?
California's legislature is altering its approach to criminal justice reform by implementing stricter crime bills in response to rising public concerns about crime. [ more ]
Mayor Adams Dismisses Council's Override on 2025 Reelection Bid
Mayor Eric Adams loses battle with City Council as they vote to override his vetoes on criminal justice reform bills.
Adams continues to prioritize public safety over his own political career, stating that his focus is on protection and preventing harm to innocent people in New York City. [ more ]
The 1994 Crime Bill, while initially seen as necessary for crime reduction, has created significant issues of mass incarceration and systemic racism that need addressing. [ more ]
Bipartisan Criminal-Justice Reform Is Still Very Much Alive
Bipartisan support for criminal-justice reform persists, focusing on practical solutions amidst a narrative of decline in meaningful progress. [ more ]
'Struck by Justice:' Polly Klaas murder led to harsher sentences. Is that the answer to crime?
The Three Strikes Law in California stemmed from the tragic murder of Polly Klaas, resulting in harsher sentences for repeat offenders.
The law set the tone for tough-on-crime policies, leading to mass incarceration but has faced pushback as criminal justice reform efforts gain traction. [ more ]
The 1994 Crime Bill, while initially seen as necessary for crime reduction, has created significant issues of mass incarceration and systemic racism that need addressing. [ more ]
Bipartisan Criminal-Justice Reform Is Still Very Much Alive
Bipartisan support for criminal-justice reform persists, focusing on practical solutions amidst a narrative of decline in meaningful progress. [ more ]
'Struck by Justice:' Polly Klaas murder led to harsher sentences. Is that the answer to crime?
The Three Strikes Law in California stemmed from the tragic murder of Polly Klaas, resulting in harsher sentences for repeat offenders.
The law set the tone for tough-on-crime policies, leading to mass incarceration but has faced pushback as criminal justice reform efforts gain traction. [ more ]
Pamela Price wishes more people understood the job of district attorney
Pamela Price's election as DA is seen as a pivotal moment for criminal justice reform in Alameda County, amid mixed perceptions of her leadership. [ more ]
Pamela Price wishes more people understood the job of district attorney
Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price faces criticism and praise regarding her approach to criminal justice reform and media engagement. [ more ]
The Backlash Comes for Oakland's Progressive Prosecutor
Pamela Price defends her policies aimed at reforming the criminal justice system and rejecting the over-criminalization of youth amid a recall attempt. [ more ]
Pamela Price wishes more people understood the job of district attorney
Pamela Price's election as DA is seen as a pivotal moment for criminal justice reform in Alameda County, amid mixed perceptions of her leadership. [ more ]
Pamela Price wishes more people understood the job of district attorney
Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price faces criticism and praise regarding her approach to criminal justice reform and media engagement. [ more ]
The Backlash Comes for Oakland's Progressive Prosecutor
Pamela Price defends her policies aimed at reforming the criminal justice system and rejecting the over-criminalization of youth amid a recall attempt. [ more ]
The Changes to the Democrats' Criminal Justice Platform You May Have Missed
The 2024 Democratic platform signifies a major shift in criminal justice language, advocating for police funding instead of reforming or opposing police practices. [ more ]
The Changes to the Democrats' Criminal Justice Platform You May Have Missed
The 2024 Democratic platform signifies a major shift in criminal justice language, advocating for police funding instead of reforming or opposing police practices. [ more ]
Kim Kardashian and sister visit Northern California inmate fire camp
Kim Kardashian supports incarcerated firefighters training for careers in firefighting, advocating for criminal justice reform and opportunities to expunge felony records. [ more ]
Kim Kardashian and sister visit Northern California inmate fire camp
Kim Kardashian supports incarcerated firefighters training for careers in firefighting, advocating for criminal justice reform and opportunities to expunge felony records. [ more ]
State Bar accuses L.A. lawyer of misleading inmates and their desperate families
California attorney Aaron Spolin faces disciplinary charges for unethical practices, including misleading prisoners' families and imposing exorbitant fees. [ more ]
Hard drugs illegal again in Oregon as first-in-nation experiment ends
Oregon's experiment with drug decriminalization ended due to rising overdose rates, reverting to misdemeanor charges for small amounts of drugs. [ more ]
Hard drugs illegal again in Oregon as first-in-nation experiment ends
Oregon's experiment with drug decriminalization ended due to rising overdose rates, reverting to misdemeanor charges for small amounts of drugs. [ more ]
MacArthur Foundation withholds $625K from San Francisco, DA charges racism
The MacArthur Foundation is withholding funds from San Francisco's DA office until there is commitment to reform goals, leading to a partnership breakdown. [ more ]
In 2024 Platform, Democrats Lurch Right on Policing and Immigration
The Democratic Party's 2024 platform shows a shift towards right-wing policies on criminal justice and immigration, contrasting sharply with their 2020 agenda. [ more ]
In 2024 Platform, Democrats Lurch Right on Policing and Immigration
The Democratic Party's 2024 platform shows a shift towards right-wing policies on criminal justice and immigration, contrasting sharply with their 2020 agenda. [ more ]
'Central Park Five' Speak At DNC-What To Know About Trump's History With Them
The Central Park Five members are speaking out against Donald Trump during the DNC, highlighting his past actions and opinions regarding their wrongful convictions. [ more ]
A hollow victory in fight to bring transparency to cops' use of facial recognition technology * New Jersey Monitor
Facial recognition technology can lead to wrongful arrests, highlighting a critical need for its regulation and oversight in the legal system. [ more ]
'Central Park Five' Speak At DNC-What To Know About Trump's History With Them
The Central Park Five members are speaking out against Donald Trump during the DNC, highlighting his past actions and opinions regarding their wrongful convictions. [ more ]
A hollow victory in fight to bring transparency to cops' use of facial recognition technology * New Jersey Monitor
Facial recognition technology can lead to wrongful arrests, highlighting a critical need for its regulation and oversight in the legal system. [ more ]
Tears Flowing!' Trump Rages at CNN's Van Jones, Calls Him a Lowlife' Who Begged' Help Never' Thanked Him
Trump accused Van Jones of failing to thank him for his contributions to criminal justice reform, highlighting a rift over recognition of his efforts. [ more ]
Tears Flowing!' Trump Rages at CNN's Van Jones, Calls Him a Lowlife' Who Begged' Help Never' Thanked Him
Trump accused Van Jones of failing to thank him for his contributions to criminal justice reform, highlighting a rift over recognition of his efforts. [ more ]
Progressive prosecutor Mike Schmidt lost seat to co-worker advocating for more aggressive prosecution amid rising crime and homelessness in Portland. [ more ]
A Widely Used Criminal Justice Algorithm For Assessing Child Pornography Recidivism Is Flawed
The use of unvalidated algorithms like the Child Pornography Offender Risk Tool (CPORT) in the criminal justice system raises serious concerns. [ more ]
President Biden's move to ease marijuana restrictions is praised but considered incremental towards legalization, aligning efforts with young voters' interests. [ more ]
He Went From Prison to Politics. Now He Helps Others Get a Second Act.
Eddie Gibbs, a formerly incarcerated individual, shared a stage with the governor to sign a bill he fought for, highlighting the importance of giving rights to those who were previously incarcerated. [ more ]
Joseph Hayden, Who Fought for Voting Rights for Ex-Felons, Dies at 82
Joseph Hayden, a former Harlem drug gang member, turned his life around to become an activist for criminal justice reform and a well-known figure in Harlem.
Hayden filed a class-action lawsuit in 2000 to restore voting rights to prisoners and parolees, which ultimately failed but helped jump-start a powerful movement to win voting rights for released felons. [ more ]
He Went From Prison to Politics. Now He Helps Others Get a Second Act.
Eddie Gibbs, a formerly incarcerated individual, shared a stage with the governor to sign a bill he fought for, highlighting the importance of giving rights to those who were previously incarcerated. [ more ]
Joseph Hayden, Who Fought for Voting Rights for Ex-Felons, Dies at 82
Joseph Hayden, a former Harlem drug gang member, turned his life around to become an activist for criminal justice reform and a well-known figure in Harlem.
Hayden filed a class-action lawsuit in 2000 to restore voting rights to prisoners and parolees, which ultimately failed but helped jump-start a powerful movement to win voting rights for released felons. [ more ]
The Biden administration is moving to reclassify marijuana. Here's what that means
The Biden administration may reclassify marijuana to a less dangerous drug, fulfilling a promise and potentially aligning with young voters in 2024. [ more ]
California bill boosting domestic violence penalties fails again. Why Democrats aren't on board
Domestic violence in California is not always classified as a violent felony, making it challenging to create laws that cover the wide range of behaviors.
Assemblyman Joe Patterson's efforts to extend prison time for more types of domestic violence faced resistance from Democrats supported by criminal justice reform groups. [ more ]
Travis County tests out program to provide lawyers for low-income defendants at its downtown jail - Austin Monitor
Travis County implements 'counsel at first appearance' program to provide lawyers for low-income accused individuals, with past challenges due to staffing shortages. [ more ]
New Electronic Monitoring Tech Piloted Both Inside and Outside of Prisons, Jails
Electronic monitoring tools like VeriWatch are being developed to replace traditional ankle monitors and are designed to incorporate seamlessly into users' daily lives.
The expansion of electronic monitoring tools, presented as 'alternatives to detention,' is critiqued by privacy and human rights advocates for further entrenching surveillance systems. [ more ]
1.23 million Americans were in state or federal prison in 2022, down from 1.57 million in 2012.
Mississippi, Montana, and Colorado saw the largest increase in incarcerated populations, while Virginia, Oregon, and California saw decreases. [ more ]
Former Patriot Devin McCourty honored as 'Hero Among Us' at Celtics game
Devin McCourty, former Patriots safety, was honored with the Celtics' 'Hero Among Us' award for his work in the community.
McCourty and his twin brother co-founded 'Tackle Sickle Cell' over 10 years ago to raise awareness for the disease and have raised over $1.2 million for Boston Medical Center. [ more ]
City Council overrides mayor's veto, enacts sweeping police reform and solitary confinement ban
The New York City Council voted to override Mayor Eric Adams' vetoes of two criminal justice reform bills.
The How Many Stops Act aims to increase transparency and accountability within the NYPD by collecting and disclosing data on investigative stops. [ more ]
New York City's pro-cop mayor loses high-profile fight over policing legislation
The New York City Council voted to override Mayor Bill de Blasio's veto on two bills, highlighting a clash between the council and the mayor
One bill requires police officers to report demographic data on low-level interactions, while the other limits isolation time for detainees in jails [ more ]
NYC Mayor Adams Responds To Rise In Assaults On Police Officers
Assaults on police officers in New York City have surged, with a 41% increase in the first three months of 2023 compared to 2021.
Mayor Eric Adams attributes the rise in assaults to a minority of repeated offenders who perceive themselves as beyond the reach of law and order. [ more ]