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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Jul 21, 2023

The Illinois Supreme Court Cash Bail Ruling, Explained

A pair of handcuffs over several 100 dollar bills.
The Illinois Supreme Court Cash Bail Ruling, Explained

Jun 23, 2023

Pride Has Always Been About Ending Mass Incarceration

LGBTQ flag with police in the background.
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

Mar 18, 2023

Celebrating 60 Years of Gideon v. Wainwright

The exterior of the Supreme Court.
Celebrating 60 Years of Gideon v. Wainwright

Mar 13, 2023

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

People hold up a banner saying "No Execution by Covid-19."
Three Years Later, COVID-19 is Still a Threat to People Who Are Incarcerated

Dec 14, 2022

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

Demonstrators, holding a sign reading "STOP THE DEATH PENALTY", stand on the steps of the State Capitol in Atlanta.
From the Death Penalty to Marijuana, Clemency is a Tool For Justice

Oct 6, 2022

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

A judges' gavel on a U.S. dollar cash background, top view, close-up.
Hidden Taxes Don't Belong Anywhere, Least of All in Our Justice System

Sep 26, 2022

50 Years of Fighting for the Rights of Incarcerated People

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.
50 Years of Fighting for the Rights of Incarcerated People

Sep 12, 2022

Despite Backlash, Voters and Lawmakers Continue to Choose Criminal Justice Reform

Shelby County Court
Despite Backlash, Voters and Lawmakers Continue to Choose Criminal Justice Reform

Sep 1, 2022

When Release Conditions End in Unjust Confinement

The lock and bars of a prison cell are at the forefront, while a detainee, standing in an orange jumpsuit and with his tattooed arms crossed waits in a cell with other detainees.
When Release Conditions End in Unjust Confinement