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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May 10, 2022

A Promising Appointment Brings Hope for Federal Clemency Applicants

A scale as a symbol of law and justice.
A Promising Appointment Brings Hope for Federal Clemency Applicants

Apr 21, 2022

The Law & Order Reboot Could Not Come at a Worse Time for Criminal Law Reform

The 'Law & Order' title.
The Law & Order Reboot Could Not Come at a Worse Time for Criminal Law Reform

Mar 23, 2022

The Coast Guard Destroyed Their Livelihoods. Will the Supreme Court Hear Their Case?

An overhead photograph of the ocean, dotted with boats.
The Coast Guard Destroyed Their Livelihoods. Will the Supreme Court Hear Their Case?

Mar 11, 2022

The War on Drugs Failed — Lawmakers Must Meet the Fentanyl Crisis With New Solutions

A photo of prison bars.
The War on Drugs Failed — Lawmakers Must Meet the Fentanyl Crisis With New Solutions

Jan 13, 2022

How to Win an Election From Jail

How to Win an Election From Jail

Oct 21, 2021

My Life Was Derailed By a Traffic Ticket

Traffic violation on a windshield.
My Life Was Derailed By a Traffic Ticket

Oct 8, 2021

What the Supreme Court Can and Can't Do About Mass Incarceration in the Current Term

Side profile of the Supreme Court in Washington, DC
What the Supreme Court Can and Can't Do About Mass Incarceration in the Current Term

Sep 17, 2021

Public Trust in Artificial Intelligence Starts With Institutional Reform

Robot solving problems
Public Trust in Artificial Intelligence Starts With Institutional Reform

Jul 30, 2021

Our Leaders Can Save Lives With the Stroke of a Pen

Prison cells and empty hallway
Our Leaders Can Save Lives With the Stroke of a Pen

Jul 14, 2021

How America Disguised 65,000 Prison Beds

Clean lawn and tidy oak trees in front of an apartment complex
How America Disguised 65,000 Prison Beds