criminal justice
‘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.
