The U.S. Constitution guarantees everyone the right to a fair trial and the right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment. But these constitutional rights are meaningless if prosecutors, judges and prisons aren’t held accountable for wrongdoing.
With 25% of the world’s prison population, the U.S. has one of the world’s worst mass-incarceration problems. There are many ways to end mass incarceration. But taking steps to end the unfair sentencing practices that created the problem is crucial.
More than half a million people are released from prison every year. But three-quarters of them end up back in prison. Ending this cycle means creating and supporting in-prison programs that focus on the skills necessary for a successful reentry.
“EQUAL JUSTICE UNDER LAW.” That phrase is engraved above the front entrance to the United States Supreme Court. But the concept is often missing from U.S. criminal justice system. Equal access to justice is essential to a fair and just legal system.
Psilocybin, a psychedelic compound found in the mushroom Psilocybe cubensis, has been studied for its impact on criminality and recidivism. With positive feedback, each study encourages looking at psilocybin to lower recidivism and criminal behaviors....
Freedom of religion is a protected right under the U.S. Constitution, even in prisons. But, the country also advocates for the separation of church and state. Laws protecting and separating religious freedom creates complex circumstances for some religious practices. ...
When President Biden rescinded a Trump executive order on criminal justice reform, right-wing groups' criticisms were loud. Was it warranted?...
Incarceration rates for people with disabilities far exceed incarceration rates for the general public. This is especially true for those with cognitive disabilities, and disproportionately affects people of color with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities are also more vulnerable to police violence, and to sexual assault while in prison....
On May 24, Tennessee governor Bill Lee signed two new justice reform bills into law. Both bills provide mechanisms to reduce jail and prison populations and recidivism. But whether or not these laws actually achieve these reductions is still largely up to the state's judges and parole and probation boards....
Since President Trump signed the CARES Act into law, the BOP has dragged its feet, implementing the law in a slow and narrow way. ...