Beyond the U.S. Department of Justice
The federal government has the opportunity to look to agencies beyond the Department of Justice to advance progressive criminal justice reforms.
Race and Criminal Justice
The Facts on Pattern-or-Practice Investigations
The U.S. Department of Justice seems poised to restore pattern-or-practice investigations to promote constitutional and effective policing.
A Criminal Record Shouldn’t Be a Life Sentence to Poverty
Bipartisan momentum for clean slate and fair chance licensing policies—which remove barriers to economic opportunity for people facing the stigma of a criminal record—has grown significantly in the states in recent years.
The Facts on Marijuana Equity and Decriminalization
It is time to end the federal criminalization of marijuana and right the wrongs caused by the war on drugs—especially for communities of color.
3 Ways the Biden Administration Can Give Second Chances to Justice-Impacted College Students
The Biden administration should improve policies around admissions, financial aid, and housing to ensure that people with criminal records have fair opportunities to pursue a college education.
Preventing and Removing Barriers to Housing Security for People With Criminal Convictions
Policymakers must take long-overdue action to undo intentionally harmful housing policies that discriminate against people with criminal records and perpetuate racial discrimination.
‘Justice for All’ Requires Access to Justice
The Biden administration can further advance its key priorities by restoring federal leadership on access to justice issues.
Advancing Gender Equity for Justice-Impacted Women in the Aftermath of COVID-19
Justice reform measures can help ensure that women with a criminal record are given a fair chance at quality job opportunities, and these reforms are needed now more than ever in light of the pandemic’s devastating impact on women.
5 Discussions That Shaped the Justice Reform Movement in 2020
While more must be done to shrink the footprint of the U.S. criminal justice system, the national dialogue around reform during summer 2020 has inspired transformative ideas and tangible policies that can be built on moving forward.
Introducing Community Responders: How To Dispatch the Right Response to Every 911 Call
Civilian first responders are good for the public—and for the police.
Understanding the Policing of Black, Disabled Bodies
Current data collection on state violence does not paint a picture that is inclusive of victims with disabilities.
Progressive Criminal Justice Ballot Initiatives Won Big in the 2020 Election
Progressive criminal justice policies fared well at the ballot box, with voters across the country approving critical reforms.
Centering Racial Equity in a New Administration
With a new administration set to lead the U.S. federal government, and in the midst of a pandemic that has exposed the many layers of racial inequality in this country, it is time to finally put infrastructure in place to achieve equity for Black Americans and communities of color.
The Facts on State and Local Elections
State and local elected officials are the key to ensuring that significant reforms are made to the criminal justice system.
The Community Responder Model
Establishing a new branch of civilian first responders can help cities reduce overreliance on the police.