News & Commentary about Prisoners' Rights

The National Prison Project is dedicated to ensuring that our nation's prisons, jails, and detention centers comply with the Constitution, domestic law, and human rights principles.

Learn more

A row of general population inmates, handcuffed and in orange jumpsuits, walk in a line at San Quentin State Prison.

Sep 15, 2020

Federal Judges are Failing Incarcerated People During the Pandemic

Three detainees waiting together inside a room to be processed at a detention facility.

Jul 31, 2020

Prosecutors Disappoint During the Pandemic — 3rd Edition

Back of lawyer talking to judges in a courtroom.

Jul 30, 2020

Prosecutors Disappoint During Pandemic — 2nd Edition

A gavel rests on the judge’s bench in a courtroom with American flag in the background.

Jul 29, 2020

Prosecutors Disappoint During the Pandemic

Jul 27, 2020

Incarcerated People are Still Dying of COVID-19, and We’re Still Fighting to Save Them

Packets of buprenorphine, a drug which controls heroin and opioid cravings.

Jul 22, 2020

As Overdoses Spike During Coronavirus, Treating Addiction in Prisons and Jails is a Matter of Life and Death

Voters wearing face masks as a preventive measure wait in a line during an early voting in Monroe County, Indiana.

Jul 9, 2020

Lives are at Stake. Will Congress Act?

A masked protester is seen wrapped in a sign that says FREE THEM ALL

Jun 15, 2020

We Won't Address Our Mass Incarceration Crisis Until We Rethink Our Approach to "Violent Crime"

A incarcerated woman standing behind bars.

May 19, 2020

When a Two-Year Sentence Becomes a Death Sentence

A gloved hand points to a holding cell in a Los Angeles jail.

May 12, 2020

Dallas County Officials are Leaving Vulnerable People to Catch COVID-19 in Jail