Retaliation
After multiple suits against the Illinois Department of Corrections, a federal judge in southern Illinois recognized that the Constitution protects trans women from discrimination. The judge ordered state prison officials to re-evaluate Strawberry Hampton’s previously denied request for transfer — and also mandated that the agency develop training on transgender issues for all staff.
Police Misconduct
After Jason Van Dyke’s guilty verdict, the first in decades that convicted a cop for a killing while on duty, MacArthur Justice Center’s Sheila Bedi analyzes how the case reflects larger, systemic issues within the Chicago Police Department and what is needed to ensure real, institutional change.
Solitary Confinement
Despite the Virginia Department of Corrections previously acknowledging he posed no threat, Mr. Nicolas Reyes has been kept in extreme segregation solely because he cannot complete the required “Step-Down Program. Mr. Reyes cannot read or speak English and that is the only language in which program materials are provided.
Cash Bail
Federal court agrees with our lawsuit against Orleans Magistrate Judge Harry Cantrell and rules that his bond court proceedings are unconstitutional and present a clear financial conflict of interest.
Parole
Associated Press coverage of our new Supreme Court petition on behalf of Joey Chandler, a youthful offender sentenced to life without parole, who, despite being a model prisoner for over a decade, has never received a meaningful opportunity to be considered for parole.
Ms. Strawberry Hampton has been forced to file a third lawsuit seeking protection from ongoing abuse by Illinois Department of Corrections officials. Ms. Hampton is again requesting transfer to a women’s prison.
Abdication of Civil Rights Oversight
Our Campbell Plaintiffs stand with Communities United Plaintiffs to release their revisions and reactions to the Attorney General and Mayor’s draft consent decree.
Mississippi Director Cliff Johnson authors an editorial in response to the public criticism of cash bail and pre-trial release by the Hinds County District Attorney and Mississippi Bail Agents Association.
Rights of Protesters
The MacArthur Justice Center is representing David Whitt, co-founder of the St. Louis CopWatch, in his lawsuit against the City of St. Louis and police officers who unlawfully arrested and prosecuted him for legally filming a police encounter.
jessey.neves@macarthurjustice.org
312.503.1191
