05 May The First Step Act Risk And Needs Assessment Explained
The First Step Act requires that the Attorney General and BOP complete a risk and needs assessment for each prisoner. What is the assessment?
Author: Peter J. Tomasek
01 May Explainer: Will Chauvin Appeal his Convictions?
Chauvin was convicted of two murder counts and one manslaughter count, but an appeal, as well as other investigations, are sure to come.
29 Apr Oregon Won’t Backtrack on KKK-Influenced Nonunanimous Jury Rule
Since the 1930s, a KKK-influenced Oregon law has kept unconstitutionally convicted defendants locked up based on nonunanimous jury trials.
21 Apr Chauvin Verdict Rare, Important Example of Police Accountability
Something extraordinarily rare happened yesterday: the Chauvin verdict. It's just the 7th murder conviction for a police killing since 2005.
12 Mar Yes, This Kentucky Bill Would Actually Criminalize Police Insults
A bill pending in the Kentucky Senate aims to criminalize police insults, a clear shot at free speech protected by the First Amendment.
08 Mar Virginia Becomes the First Southern State to Eliminate the Death Penalty
Virginia is on track to become the first southern state to eliminate the death penalty, but Tennessee and Kentucky could follow.
05 Mar Right to Vote in Prison Takes a Monumental Step
While the amendment ultimately failed, 97 Democratic lawmakers voted to support the right to vote in prison, a monumental step forward.
03 Mar Proposed ‘American Rescue Plan’ Would Provide Support To Prisons
The House of Representatives released its version of the American Rescue Plan, and the bill includes several parts focusing on prisons.
02 Mar End Qualified Immunity: Two Dem. Lawmakers’ Ambitious Proposal To Do It
The doctrine of qualified immunity has been at the center of the justice-reform debate for a while. Three lawmakers want to end it.
02 Mar Booker Named Criminal Justice and Counterterrorism Subcommittee Chair
Sen. Booker's new role on Senate Subcommittee on Criminal Justice and Counterterrorism gives just reform advocates optimism.