07 Jun Improving Access to Mental Health Support in Federal Prisons
The BOP puts an emphasis on mental health in its program statements, but the reality in federal prisons is far different.
Mental Illness Tag
18 May Mental Health and Incarceration in America
Posted at 10:00h
in Decriminalizing Mental Illness, Ending Mass Incarceration, Fairness in Sentencing
The relationship between mental health and incarceration is a complicated one, and it's one that's failing in the justice system.
06 Dec Most Want Mental Health Pros, Not Police, Responding To Crises
Most Americans want mental health professionals, not police, responding to mental health crises. But lawmakers are going the other way.
08 Jul Despite Limits, Solitary Confinement Remains a Fixture in U.S. Prisons
Recently, some states have decided to limit the use of solitary confinement, but the practice is still widely used throughout the U.S.
03 Jun Explainer: People with Disabilities in the Criminal Justice System
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
20 Apr Breaking Down ‘Defund the Police’ and Community Supervision Programs
Phrases like “abolish the police” and “defund the police” may be common, but not everyone has a firm grasp on what these phrases mean.
22 Jan Mental Competency to Stand Trial and the Housing of Mentally Incompetent Defendants
Issues about how to determine mental competency to stand trial are rooted in a lack of clarity about what mental incompetency looks like.
20 Jan U.S. Has First Execution of Woman since 1953 Though Mental Competency Questions Persisted
In early 2021, the U.S. executed a woman for the first time since 1953. And they did the execution without a mental competency hearing. How?
15 Jan Minimal Progress with Solitary Confinement in 2020
Posted at 09:47h
in Decriminalizing Mental Illness, Emphasizing Rehabilitation, Ending Mass Incarceration, Prisons
While the end of 2019 held promise for solitary confinement reform, 2020 painted a less optimistic picture.
29 Dec North Carolina Courts Struggle with Mental Illness
Mental illness cases involving diminished-capacity defenses are procedurally complex and often result in underwhelming outcomes. And justice reform and mental health advocates are often left wishing for more. Two recent North Carolina cases illustrate the “we can do better” mindset well.