Death Penalty

A guard tower at Corcoran State Prison

‘You Guys Are Coming Home’ ‘You Guys Are Coming Home’

Sentenced to life in prison without parole as teenagers, these inmates never thought they’d be free—now they’re preparing for a life outside.

Jan 9, 2019 / Katya Cengel

Courtroom sketch of 9/11 defendants

How Government Secrecy on Torture Has Stymied the 9/11 Terror Prosecution How Government Secrecy on Torture Has Stymied the 9/11 Terror Prosecution

This case is the last front in the long-running battle over the Bush-era torture regime.

Jul 19, 2018 / Lisa Hajjar

Patty and Jerry Wetterling

Sex, Race, and the Law: Considering America ‘In the Dark’ Sex, Race, and the Law: Considering America ‘In the Dark’

Madeleine Baran’s stunning investigative podcast grapples with our so-called “justice” system.

Jul 18, 2018 / Steven W. Thrasher

Trump Opioid Speech

Why Trump’s Call to Execute Drug Dealers Matters Why Trump’s Call to Execute Drug Dealers Matters

Prosecutors across the country are already applying Trump’s “tough" approach through the use of drug-induced-homicide laws.

Mar 22, 2018 / Zoë Carpenter

It’s Time to Stop Fixating on Punishment

It’s Time to Stop Fixating on Punishment It’s Time to Stop Fixating on Punishment

Trump’s call to execute drug dealers is bizarre and irrational, but so is our criminal-justice system.

Mar 15, 2018 / Column / Kai Wright

Alabama lethal injection

Why Is No One Demanding an Explanation for the Torture of Doyle Hamm? Why Is No One Demanding an Explanation for the Torture of Doyle Hamm?

He was the first person in the history of Alabama’s use of lethal injection to walk out of the execution chamber alive.

Mar 13, 2018 / Nicola Cohen

Alabama lethal injection

The Cruel and Unusual Punishment of Doyle Lee Hamm The Cruel and Unusual Punishment of Doyle Lee Hamm

The State of Alabama was warned that its planned execution of Hamm would be painful and torturous. It kept going anyway.

Mar 2, 2018 / Jake Bittle

Krasner, Jones-Wright, Ayala

Prosecutors Keep Their Jobs by Putting People in Jail. Can They Be Leaders in the Fight for Criminal-Justice Reform? Prosecutors Keep Their Jobs by Putting People in Jail. Can They Be Leaders in the Fight for Criminal-Justice Reform?

A new wave of “progressive” prosecutors has made big promises. But is it possible for them to bring change when they are so reliant on law enforcement to do their jobs?

Nov 14, 2017 / Collier Meyerson

Prosecutors Are Banding Together to Prevent Criminal-Justice Reform

Prosecutors Are Banding Together to Prevent Criminal-Justice Reform Prosecutors Are Banding Together to Prevent Criminal-Justice Reform

A new investigation shows that DA associations are thwarting changes to the death penalty, sentencing, and more.

Oct 18, 2017 / Feature / Jessica Pishko

Arkansas execution of Ledell Lee

Why Is Arkansas Rushing to Execute Its Prisoners? Why Is Arkansas Rushing to Execute Its Prisoners?

The overseers of our capital punishment system are increasingly standing alone. 

Apr 21, 2017 / Jess McHugh

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