criminal justice

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. 

Reflections after 43 years in an Alabama prison

James Jones is one of thousands of men who served life without parole in an Alabama prison. He spent 43 years at the St. Clair Correctional Facility before being released at the age of 77. 

How Alabama’s first commuted death sentence this century came about

Robin "Rocky" Myers has been on Alabama’s death row for more than 30 years. Then, on February 28, he became the first Alabamian this century to have his death sentence commuted. 

South Carolina plans to carry out a firing squad execution. Is it safe for witnesses?

South Carolina plans to execute its first prisoner by firing squad on March 7 inside the same death chamber it's used for dozens of other executions. Firearms experts say that could be risky.

‘Anybody can be a lobbyist’: In Mississippi, incarceration fuels legislative advocacy training

The program aims to teach the art of political influence and policymaking to formerly incarcerated people and their loved ones.

Lawsuit aims to block Alabama from using COVID relief funds on prison project

The U.S. Treasury said prison construction is a “generally ineligible” use of American Rescue Plan funds, but has not intervened in Alabama's plans.

As Chronic Prison Understaffing Plagues Region, Mississippi Tries A New Approach

The Department of Corrections is aiming to fill 700 correctional officer positions by the summer. They’re looking for recruits in Walmart parking lots.

DOJ Lawsuit Could Lead To Federal Oversight Of Alabama Prisons

More than a year after finding unconstitutional conditions in Alabama's male prisons, federal officials are taking legal action against the state.

Alabama’s New Prisons Planned For Bibb, Elmore and Escambia Counties

State officials announced the latest development in their plan to replace most existing male prisons with three regional prisons.

“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.

Relatives of Alabama Inmates Call on Prisons Task Force to Improve Conditions

Advocates and relatives of Alabama prisoners called on Gov. Kay Ivey's criminal justice study group to implement reforms. Concerns at Wednesday's meeting ranged from violent prison conditions to the lack of re-entry services.

After Two Month Delay, Parole Hearings Will Resume

The Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles will resume parole hearings Tuesday. The state agency postponed hundreds of hearings since September, citing new legal requirements.

Advocates Want Lawmakers to End the Habitual Offender Act

Gov. Kay Ivey’s Study Group on Criminal Justice Policy meets Thursday to talk sentencing. Advocates want the group to address the state’s Habitual Felony Offender Act.

African-American Men and Law Enforcement Discuss Lowering Crime and Saving Young Men

Danny Carr didn’t stammer as he provided closing thoughts to a gathering Thursday night in downtown Birmingham. The Jefferson County district attorney was making a point to reduce the deaths of young African-American men and boys.