criminal-justice-reform
Philly to pay record settlement for police misconduct in 2020 protests
Mayor Jim Kenney said the pain and trauma caused by a legacy of systemic racism and police brutality against Black and brown Philadelphians is immeasurable.
Pennsylvania must fulfill the constitutional guarantee of adequate representation | Opinion
Pa. is one of only two states in the nation that provide essentially no funding for its public defenders.
N.J. lawmakers propose eliminating the cost of calls for incarcerated people
Reformers have long called on policymakers to reduce the cost of communications in correctional facilities.
A law was meant to free sick or aging inmates. Instead, some are left to die in prison
Federal data shows judges rejected more than 80% of compassionate release requests filed from October 2019 through September 2022.
Pa. Gov. Shapiro evolves, seeks to abolish fallible and irreversible death penalty | Michael Coard
Shapiro's view on capital punishment has evolved, and a columnist's view of him has too. Here's why.
Pa. shouldn’t wait any longer to abolish the death penalty | Friday Morning Coffee
It's racist, biased, and brutalizes all of us. End it.
Pa. House bill would make it easier for formerly incarcerated to vote | Tuesday Morning Coffee
'This is common sense legislation designed to ensure that all eligible voters can participate in our elections,' Rep. Joe Webster said.
What Congress can — and can’t — do about fixing local policing | Opinion
Tyre Nichols' death has prompted renewed calls for reform. The real change happens at the state and local level.
Bipartisan Senate bill would change how Pa. charges children as adults | Tuesday Morning Coffee
A judge would have to sign off before a juvenile case is moved to to adult court.
Pa.’s criminal legal system increases overdose deaths and makes recovery impossible | Opinion
By Sean Fogler and Carla Sofronski In 2021, over 5,300 Pennsylvanians lost their lives to a preventable drug overdose. Pennsylvania policy makers and local government officials have led the charge in fueling this historic public health crisis. While there are many factors contributing to this horrific toll, Pennsylvania’s criminal legal system stands alone in its […]
Virginia abolished biased, botched executions; more states should follow suit | Opinion
The imposition of a death sentence gives a false impression that justice is being served.
Johnson-Shaw Foundation looks to help people re-enter society after prison | Helping the Helpers
'I would like people to understand the perspective that people re-entering (society) really do need guidance and assistance,' Shakira Johnson said.