Does Bad Health Care Constitute Cruel and Unusual Punishment?
A class-action lawsuit in Illinois argues that medical treatment inside the state’s corrections system puts inmates “at risk of pain, injury, and death.”
The Presence of Justice
Beyond the age of mass incarceration
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This project is supported by a grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation’s Safety and Justice Challenge.
The Rise of Rural Incarceration
Local jails in smaller counties are seeing enormous growth. A new report explains why.
Criminal-Justice Reformers Pin Their Hopes on Jared Kushner
On the Hill, the president’s adviser and son-in-law is seen as the best chance to get support from the White House.
How Insurance Companies Can Force Bad Cops Off the Job
In exchange for coverage, insurers can demand that police departments implement new policies and training, and dismiss problem officers.
How Minor Probation Violations Can Lead to Major Jail Time
Most pretrial detainees in Philadelphia’s jails are there for breaking the terms of their court supervision—not because they can’t afford bail.
Why New Orleans Leads the U.S. in Wrongful Convictions
Louisiana just passed a suite of prison-reform bills, but that may not put a huge dent in incarceration rates.
Will Texas's Crackdown on Sanctuary Cities Hurt Law Enforcement?
Some police chiefs are concerned that the legislation may harm efforts to stop crime rather than helping.
Why Boston Is Paying Ex-Gang Members to Go to College
The deal: $400 a week to stay in school. Is it worth it?
Why Jails Are Booming
A new report from the Prison Policy Initiative shows that the populations of local jails are swelling for reasons that have little to do with crime.
The Puzzle of Housing Aging Sex Offenders
States are grappling with how to care for a growing population of registered offenders in long-term care facilities.