Criminal Justice

Portrait of John Lewis with Edmund Pettus Bridge in background

John Lewis’s Fight for Justice Continues With Miracle Boyd John Lewis’s Fight for Justice Continues With Miracle Boyd

Those who criticize young activists today as too radical or impatient should remember the John Lewis of 1963.

Jul 21, 2020 / Barbara Ransby

How a Trip to Prison Cost Kenneth Clark His Right to Be a Parent

How a Trip to Prison Cost Kenneth Clark His Right to Be a Parent How a Trip to Prison Cost Kenneth Clark His Right to Be a Parent

Clark wanted desperately to be a father to his kids. But prison, along with a Clinton-era child welfare law, conspired to take them away from him—for good.

Jul 20, 2020 / Feature / Sylvia A. Harvey

A gurney in Oklahoma

The Trump Administration Is on a Capital Punishment Killing Spree The Trump Administration Is on a Capital Punishment Killing Spree

After 17 years, attorney General Bill Barr has resumed federal executions—and the conservatives on the Supreme Court approve.

Jul 17, 2020 / Elie Mystal

Austin, Texas, Just Voted to End the Drug War

Austin, Texas, Just Voted to End the Drug War Austin, Texas, Just Voted to End the Drug War

Voters just nominated a candidate for DA who says, “On day one, we will end the prosecution of low-level drug offenses.”

Jul 16, 2020 / John Nichols

On the Record’s Act of Witness

On the Record’s Act of Witness On the Record’s Act of Witness

Telling the stories of three women who accused Russell Simmons of sexual assault, the documentary is a powerful case study in how institutions have failed Black women.

Jul 14, 2020 / Books & the Arts / Stephen Kearse

Why Won’t Democrats Just Come Out for Legalizing Marijuana?

Why Won’t Democrats Just Come Out for Legalizing Marijuana? Why Won’t Democrats Just Come Out for Legalizing Marijuana?

It’s popular. It’s the right thing to do. But as with so many key issues, Biden keeps pressuring the party to pull its punches.

Jul 10, 2020 / John Nichols

Joe Kennedy grimacing

Joe Kennedy III Hired a Cop to Advise Him on Race and Justice Joe Kennedy III Hired a Cop to Advise Him on Race and Justice

As Black Lives Matter protests spread across the country, Kennedy appointed a sheriff to counsel him on criminal justice reform.

Jul 10, 2020 / Maia Hibbett

Letters Icon

Letters From the July 13/20, 2020, Issue Letters From the July 13/20, 2020, Issue

A gamble worth taking… Protect old Joe?… A terrible precedent…

Jun 30, 2020 / Our Readers

AG Barr walking with entourage

Here’s How to Stop the Next Bill Barr From Gutting the Rule of Law Here’s How to Stop the Next Bill Barr From Gutting the Rule of Law

Barr has wrecked the DOJ. The solution isn’t to return things to the way they were—it’s to remake the AG appointment process.

Jun 29, 2020 / Column / Elie Mystal

How to Make Defunding the Police a Reality

How to Make Defunding the Police a Reality How to Make Defunding the Police a Reality

For the past half-century, American cities have spent more on policing each year. All of a sudden, nationwide protests have put divestment on the table.

Jun 29, 2020 / Feature / Bryce Covert

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