The New York City Council voted on three resolutions and five bills related to public safety and police accountability. Among that package of legislation was a resolution that ends qualified immunity.
New York lawmakers are working on a pair of bills that would reform how parole works in the state. Both the Fair and Timely Parole Act and the Elder Parole bill loosen restrictions on parole. If passed, they could reduce the sentences of a significant
As the city of Boulder, Colorado mourns the victims of yet another mass shooting, the state legislature is considering a justice reform bill that would effectively end cash bail and dramatically reduce arrests. The bill has backing from the ACLU and lobbyists say it is
In February, Pennsylvania governor Tom Wolf issued a wave of 310 pardons. Of these pardons, 69 were part of the state's Expedited Review Program for Non-Violent Marijuana-Related Offenses. This program is part of larger efforts in Pennsylvania to both reform the state's cannabis laws and
Kentucky became the 10th state to adopt Marsy's Law into its constitution on Nov. 20, 2020. The controversial "Victim's Bill of Rights" has picked up steam in state legislatures across the country.
Marsy's Law isn't just one law. Rather, it is a set of prescribed protections for victims of violent crimes and their families.
The letter of the law is simple and clear. It requires that prosecutors prove "that the defendant intentionally selected any victim or group of victims" because of their identifiers beyond a reasonable doubt. There are no qualifying clauses or exceptions, only provisions for sentencing.
The phrase "defund the police" shows up in headlines and politicians' Twitter feeds a lot, but what does defunding the police really mean?
The problem of disenfranchisement is a state-by-state issue, and it’s not just about voting. Even with nationwide support to overturn disenfranchisement laws, some states are doubling down on their right to deny felons certain constitutional protections.
With more journalists arrested in 2020 than ever, some question whether or not cities are trying to suppress freedom of the press.