Media

Transgender inmate moved to Illinois women’s prison after alleging years of abuse

“It’s an important first step that we hope will lead to the Department of Corrections recognizing that all trans women need to be free from abuse and discrimination while in custody,” [Vanessa del Valle] said. “And that includes properly housing them in women’s prisons.”

Cash Bail

Survey: Mississippi jail inmates fall, but many stay long

A new survey provided to The Associated Press suggests that the number of Mississippi inmates jailed for short periods may be declining, but that those in jail for longer is holding steady…The survey by the MacArthur Justice Center shows almost half of the more than 5,000 people jailed had a stay of 90 or more…

Appeals court upholds class action status for thousands of Missouri inmates with hepatitis

The American Civil Liberties Union and the MacArthur Justice Center sued the state on behalf of three inmates with the virus in 2016. The plaintiffs allege that the state didn’t treat their condition properly or quickly enough and only gave treatment to the people with the most serious symptoms. Those actions, they argue, violate the U.S Constitution…

St. Clair County ordered to pay $301,000 to family of jail inmate who committed suicide

“This is a significant verdict” because the plaintiffs believe it’s the first time the jail has been held accountable for its inmates’ health in this manner, Bedi said. “It’s a strong message to correctional officers at St. Clair County Jail that they can’t go on disregarding the lives of people,” she said.

Chicago’s policing problem is systemic. Truth and reconciliation are needed.

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

Prisoner says he’s spent over a dozen years in solitary confinement because he doesn’t speak English

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

Court tells New Orleans judge to stop locking people up because they are poor

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

Appeals Question Life Sentences for Mississippi Juveniles

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.

ACLU, Black Lives Matter say plans to reform the Chicago police don’t go far enough

Our Campbell Plaintiffs stand with Communities United Plaintiffs to release their revisions and reactions to the Attorney General and Mayor’s draft consent decree.    

Cash Bail

Op-Ed | District attorney, bail bondsmen wrong to support long-term pretrial incarceration

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

St. Louis CopWatch Co-Founder Arrested for Filming Police Files Suit

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.  

Parole

Thousands Of Missouri Inmates Whose Paroles Were Revoked May Be Entitled To Relief, Judge Rules