WASHINGTON — The Justice Department should limit the types of cases it brings and more nonviolent criminals should be steered toward probation and away from prison, according to task force recommendations designed to cut the federal inmate count and save…
Jan 26

By Kathleen Hennessey, Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama said Monday he will ban the use of solitary confinement for juvenile and low-level offenders in federal prisons, citing the potential for "devastating, lasting psychological consequences" from the use of the isolation as punishment.
Jan 25

By Mark Sherman, Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court ruled Monday that people serving life terms for murders they committed as teenagers must have a chance to seek their freedom, a decision that could affect more than 1,000 inmates.
Nov 02

By Josh Lederman and Jill Colvin, Associated Press
NEWARK, N.J. -- President Barack Obama toured a drug rehab and met with former inmates Monday in the rough-and-tumble city of Newark, calling on the nation to ensure those regaining their freedom get a second chance instead of a return…

By Corinne Segal
People are more than their worst act. That’s the founding principle for an ongoing photography project by Sara Bennett, a former attorney documenting the stories of four convicted murderers working to rebuild their lives. Bennett worked as a criminal defense…
Oct 27

By Colleen Shalby
More than 5 million U.S. children have had a parent in jail. That’s roughly seven percent of the nation’s kids 17 and under, or one in 14.
Oct 22

By Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- Nonviolent drug offenders could be eligible for shorter prison sentences under legislation approved by a Senate panel Thursday, as Congress took initial steps to change the nation's criminal justice system.
Oct 22

By Jaclyn Diaz
There are more than 2.2 million Americans living behind bars today. When released, two-thirds of prisoners are re-incarcerated within three years. What is the role of the U.S. criminal justice system? Is it simply punish or to reform? Join NewsHour…
Oct 21

More than 130 law enforcement officials from around the country have gathered in Washington to push for reform. Chicago Police Department Superintendent Garry McCarthy and Benjamin David, district attorney from New Hanover and Pender Counties in North Carolina, talk with…
Oct 21

By PBS NewsHour
Wednesday on the NewsHour, Vice President Joe Biden opts out of the 2016 race. Also: Paul Ryan’s conditions for a House speaker run, the constant wave of migrants as winter approaches in Europe, calls for fewer arrests for nonviolent offenders,…
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