Alabama Appleseed

Court fees can pile up. An effort to make a more effective system stalls after Trump administration cuts

Court fines and fees are meant to hold people accountable. But for many, they lead to debt, arrest, and a cycle that’s hard to break. A project that started in Birmingham aimed to make the system better. But recently, the Trump Administration cancelled an effort to expand the research.

Bill would give give non-violent, aging prisoners a chance at freedom

Should the Second Chance Act be enacted, judges could review certain cases where an individual was sentenced to life without parole under the Habitual Offenders Act for potential resentencing. 

Gov. Ivey announces rules for prison ‘good time’ incentives

Ivey's executive order categorizes offenses and outlines how much “good time” will be forfeited.

Study: Diversion Programs Work – When They Don’t Sabotage Participants

There are many alternatives to prison including drug courts, veterans courts and community corrections. But a new report says in many cases these alternatives hinder rather than help those they are supposed to serve.

“Just Mercy” Sheds Light on Lack of Change in AL Justice System

The film “Just Mercy” premieres Friday in Montgomery. It’s based on civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson’s efforts to free a man who was wrongfully sentenced on death row. That was in 1989. But not a lot has changed since then.

Report: Students with Disabilities, Minorities Arrested at Higher Rates in School

A new report found students of color and children with disabilities are more likely than others to be arrested by school resource officers in connection with their conduct at school.