Jan 26 Task force recommends how to cut U.S. prisoner count by 60,000 By Eric Tucker, Associated Press 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… Continue reading
Jan 26 Obama bans solitary confinement for juveniles in fed prisons 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. Continue reading
Jan 25 Justices extend bar on automatic life terms for teenagers 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. Continue reading
Dec 17 White House promises ‘non-traditional’ State of the Union By Julie Pace, Associated Press WASHINGTON — The White House is promising President Barack Obama will deliver a "non-traditional" State of the Union address next month, eschewing the standard litany of policy proposals for a broader discussion on the challenges facing the country. Continue reading
Oct 22 Senate bill could cut nonviolent drug offenders’ sentences 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. Continue reading
Oct 22 Twitter Chat: Addressing criminal justice reform in the U.S. 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… Continue reading
Oct 21 Watch 7:50 Police, prosecutors call for fewer arrests of nonviolent offenders By PBS News Hour 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… Continue watching
Oct 15 Watch 8:28 Getting prisoners life-ready to prevent a return to crime By PBS News Hour How do you make sure prisoners who are released back into society won't commit more crimes? Meet three people living behind bars who are part of a pilot program that tries to prevent recidivism. William Brangham reports. Continue watching
Oct 11 Overhaul prompting early release of thousands of federal drug prisoners By Eric Tucker, Associated Press A push to overhaul criminal sentencing is prompting the early release of thousands of federal drug prisoners, including some whom prosecutors once described as threats to society, according to an Associated Press review of court records. Continue reading
Oct 08 Watch 8:08 U.S. at a unique time in history for justice reform, says Attorney General Lynch By PBS News Hour As attorney general, Loretta Lynch leads the Justice Department amid a spike in violent crime in several major U.S. cities, as well as national outcry over police-involved shootings. Gwen Ifill sits down with Lynch to discuss better transparency on law… Continue watching