Criminal Justice
How Does the Federal Death Penalty Work?
The federal government has announced plans to resume capital punishment. But the order will likely face challenges.
Key Takeaways From Biden's Criminal Justice Reform Plan
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden unveiled a wide-reaching plan on Tuesday with goals to reduce prison populations, create a more just society, and increase community safety.
As Unrest Escalates in Hong Kong, Pro-Democracy Demonstrators' List of Demands Lengthens
Here's what you need to know about the development of the conflict in Hong Kong and the protesters' motivations.
Fear of Being Branded Racist Increases Police Support for Excessive Force
New research finds the stereotype of a racist cop decreases officers' sense of moral authority, which may make them more likely to resort to coercive tactics.
Key Takeaways From Pete Buttigieg's Douglass Plan
The Democratic candidate from Indiana unveiled his comprehensive program to combat racial injustice in the U.S. on Thursday morning.
What Can We Learn From a Flawed Live Facial Recognition Experiment?
Facial recognition technology can be used to prevent criminal activity. But, in London, one study shows the police system gets it wrong 81 percent of the time.
Is Florida's Measure Restricting the Voting Rights of Ex-Felons Legal?
Governor Ron DeSantis recently signed a measure making the restoration of voting rights for people convicted of felonies contingent on having paid off all criminal debt.
Florida's Governor Limits the Voting Rights of Former Felons
The legislation, which disproportionately affects black voters, will prevent hundreds of thousands of citizens from voting.
Viewfinder: Demonstrators in Hong Kong Protest China's Extradition Law
Protesters hold placards and shout slogans as they occupy a street demanding that Hong Kong's leader step down on June 17th, 2019, in Hong Kong, China.
Black Sheriffs Are Less Likely to Pursue Low-Level Arrests Against People of Color
New research finds that black sheriffs have different priorities from their white counterparts.
A Chicago Jail Might Be the Largest Mental Health Care Provider in the U.S.
After Illinois cut funding for mental-health services, Cook County Jail now handles a large portion of the state's patients. A new book tells their story.
Instagram Images Exposed Ongoing Problems at One Georgia Jail
Inmates held in the DeKalb County Jail have been railing against conditions there. A social media post has brought attention to their pleas.
The Sad Tale of Frank Olson, the U.S. Government's Hallucinogen Fall Man
Denver residents voted to decriminalize magic mushrooms, in the process ending a 65-year smear campaign against an unwitting MKUltra study subject.
Who's Legally Responsible for Prison and Jail Suicides?
Lawsuits used to be a path to prison reform, but they're now an uphill battle for prisoners and their families.
Punitive State Laws Are Outing Trans People With Felony Convictions
In Illinois and Wisconsin, laws restricting post-incarceration name changes are leaving trans people with government IDs that don't align with their gender identities.
ICE Faces Legal Challenges to Arresting Immigrants at Courthouses and Immigration Proceedings
Civil rights advocates argue such arrests dissuade immigrants from seeking the protection of the law.
The 2020 Democratic Candidates Are Split on Letting Incarcerated People Vote
Bernie Sanders supports expanding the U.S franchise to people in prison. Pete Buttigieg does not. Elizabeth Warren and Kamala Harris are unsure.
Viewfinder: Protests in Hong Kong
Tens of thousands marched against the territory's proposed extradition law, which would allow the transfer of crime suspects to mainland China for trial.
New Hampshire Is Set to Repeal the Death Penalty
New Hampshire could become the 21st state in the nation to repeal the death penalty, a practice that is in decline both in the United States and around the world.
What Should Replace Cash Bail?
A California bill replaces cash bail with risk-assessment algorithms, which critics argue will perpetuate the pre-trial detention of minority and low-income defendants.
'Proactive Policing' Could Be Creating Criminals
New research finds that minority youth who are confronted by officers are more likely to subsequently engage in delinquent behavior than those who don't face such encounters.
Viewfinder: Protests Against the Cook County State's Attorney Over the Jussie Smollett Case
Protesters organized by the Fraternal Order of Police call for the removal of Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx on April 1st, 2019, in Chicago, Illinois.
Understanding the Supreme Court's Decision on Indefinite Detention of Immigrants
Immigrants with certain prior criminal convictions will now be placed in detention without the opportunity to petition for release.
The D.C. Sniper Case Moves to the Supreme Court, Reopening Questions About Juvenile Sentencing
The Supreme Court will weigh whether Lee Boyd Malvo, now 34, should have a lessened sentence for his role in this crime that he took part in when he was a minor.