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News & Commentary about Smart Justice

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The ACLU Campaign for Smart Justice is an unprecedented, multiyear effort to reduce the U.S. jail and prison population by 50% and to challenge racism in the criminal legal system.
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Entrance to the Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Prisons in Brooklyn, NY.

Mar 1, 2024

President Biden's Order to Ban Private Prisons Faces a Persistent Internal Challenge: The U.S. Marshals Service

President Biden's Order to Ban Private Prisons Faces a Persistent Internal Challenge: The U.S. Marshals Service
Daudi Justin standing in front of a marble column with his left hand in his pant pocket.

Jan 17, 2024

Jury Justice

Jury Justice
A pair of handcuffs over several 100 dollar bills.

Jul 21, 2023

The Illinois Supreme Court Cash Bail Ruling, Explained

The Illinois Supreme Court Cash Bail Ruling, Explained
LGBTQ flag with police in the background.

Jun 23, 2023

Pride Has Always Been About Ending Mass Incarceration

Pride Has Always Been About Ending Mass Incarceration

Apr 20, 2023

Clemency Is One Answer to the War On Drugs

Clemency Is One Answer to the War On Drugs
The exterior of the Supreme Court.

Mar 18, 2023

Celebrating 60 Years of Gideon v. Wainwright

Celebrating 60 Years of Gideon v. Wainwright
People hold up a banner saying "No Execution by Covid-19."

Mar 13, 2023

Three Years Later, COVID-19 is Still a Threat to People Who Are Incarcerated

Three Years Later, COVID-19 is Still a Threat to People Who Are Incarcerated
Demonstrators, holding a sign reading "STOP THE DEATH PENALTY", stand on the steps of the State Capitol in Atlanta.

Dec 14, 2022

From the Death Penalty to Marijuana, Clemency is a Tool For Justice

From the Death Penalty to Marijuana, Clemency is a Tool For Justice
A judges' gavel on a U.S. dollar cash background, top view, close-up.

Oct 6, 2022

Hidden Taxes Don't Belong Anywhere, Least of All in Our Justice System

Hidden Taxes Don't Belong Anywhere, Least of All in Our Justice System
With helmets, gas masks and armed with shotguns, state police overlook the Attica prison yard which is filled with prisoners, face down in mud with their hands behind their heads. Other policemen are in orange ponchos are walking and searching the prisoners in Sept. 1971.

Sep 26, 2022

50 Years of Fighting for the Rights of Incarcerated People

50 Years of Fighting for the Rights of Incarcerated People