@smartjusticeca.bsky.social
Reposted
During a time meant for celebration, the nearly 2 million people incarcerated in the U.S. endure loneliness and separation from loved ones.
Incarcerated writer Demetrius Buckley reflects on 16 holiday seasons behind bars and how moments of joy are still cultivated, even in the darkest of places.
Incarcerated writer Demetrius Buckley reflects on 16 holiday seasons behind bars and how moments of joy are still cultivated, even in the darkest of places.
Holiday Funk: What Christmas is Like in Prison
Facing my 17th holiday behind bars, here’s how I connect and seek joy.
www.vera.org
December 19, 2025 at 4:39 PM
During a time meant for celebration, the nearly 2 million people incarcerated in the U.S. endure loneliness and separation from loved ones.
Incarcerated writer Demetrius Buckley reflects on 16 holiday seasons behind bars and how moments of joy are still cultivated, even in the darkest of places.
Incarcerated writer Demetrius Buckley reflects on 16 holiday seasons behind bars and how moments of joy are still cultivated, even in the darkest of places.
Reposted
A CalMatters investigation looks at the limitations of this model and its impact on people accused of crimes in rural parts of the state. calmatters.org/investigatio...
6/7
6/7
The WalMart of public defense: How justice goes to the lowest bidder in rural California
The Ciummo firm has become the face of the privatization of California’s public defense. Even their courtroom adversaries wish they’d put up more of a fight.
calmatters.org
December 17, 2025 at 7:02 PM
A CalMatters investigation looks at the limitations of this model and its impact on people accused of crimes in rural parts of the state. calmatters.org/investigatio...
6/7
6/7
Reposted
But flat-fee contracts for public defense has created a second-tier justice system in rural stretches of the state: Seven of the eight counties with the state’s highest jail and prison incarceration rates have flat-fee contracts.
4/7
4/7
December 17, 2025 at 7:02 PM
But flat-fee contracts for public defense has created a second-tier justice system in rural stretches of the state: Seven of the eight counties with the state’s highest jail and prison incarceration rates have flat-fee contracts.
4/7
4/7
The death penalty doesn't deter crime. FL carried out more executions than any state in 2025, but has a higher homicide rate than CA – which hasn’t executed anyone in 20 yrs.
Ending the death penalty isn't just morally right, it's also safe. Time to #CommuteTheRow in CA www.npr.org/2025/12/15/n...
Ending the death penalty isn't just morally right, it's also safe. Time to #CommuteTheRow in CA www.npr.org/2025/12/15/n...
Executions nearly double in 2025 due to dramatic rise in Florida
This year, 48 people are expected to be executed in the U.S. Meanwhile, fewer new death sentences are being issued, and public support for the death penalty is at its lowest point in over 50 years.
www.npr.org
December 16, 2025 at 7:28 PM
The death penalty doesn't deter crime. FL carried out more executions than any state in 2025, but has a higher homicide rate than CA – which hasn’t executed anyone in 20 yrs.
Ending the death penalty isn't just morally right, it's also safe. Time to #CommuteTheRow in CA www.npr.org/2025/12/15/n...
Ending the death penalty isn't just morally right, it's also safe. Time to #CommuteTheRow in CA www.npr.org/2025/12/15/n...
Reposted
Our latest report outlines five public policy issues L.A. County advocates and community members tracked during L.A. D.A. Nathan Hochman’s first year in office that reveals a pattern of extreme and debunked approaches to crime, many that will increase mass incarceration.
Read: aclusocal.co/48hWw5u
Read: aclusocal.co/48hWw5u
December 3, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Our latest report outlines five public policy issues L.A. County advocates and community members tracked during L.A. D.A. Nathan Hochman’s first year in office that reveals a pattern of extreme and debunked approaches to crime, many that will increase mass incarceration.
Read: aclusocal.co/48hWw5u
Read: aclusocal.co/48hWw5u
"There is a huge disconnect between what the public wants and what elected officials are doing." -- Robin Maher, @deathpenaltyinfo.org Executive Director.
The surge was driven by Florida, which is poised to conduct 19 executions, accounting for 40% of the nation’s death sentences in 2025.
The surge was driven by Florida, which is poised to conduct 19 executions, accounting for 40% of the nation’s death sentences in 2025.
Despite Declining Support for the Death Penalty, Executions Nearly Doubled in 2025, Report Says @dmoritzrabson.bsky.social #deathpenalty theintercept.com/2025/12/15/d...
Despite Declining Support for the Death Penalty, Executions Nearly Doubled in 2025, Report Says
Fewer Americans support capital punishment. Fewer courts are handing out death sentences. And we’ve got way more executions in 2025.
theintercept.com
December 15, 2025 at 8:31 PM
"There is a huge disconnect between what the public wants and what elected officials are doing." -- Robin Maher, @deathpenaltyinfo.org Executive Director.
The surge was driven by Florida, which is poised to conduct 19 executions, accounting for 40% of the nation’s death sentences in 2025.
The surge was driven by Florida, which is poised to conduct 19 executions, accounting for 40% of the nation’s death sentences in 2025.
Reposted
DPI Year End Report 2025: Majority of Capital Juries in 2025 Rejected Death Sentences #deathpenalty
deathpenaltyinfo.org/research/ana...
deathpenaltyinfo.org/research/ana...
The Death Penalty in 2025 | Death Penalty Information Center
The Death Penalty Information Center (DPI) is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to serve the media, policymakers, and the general public…
deathpenaltyinfo.org
December 15, 2025 at 5:35 PM
DPI Year End Report 2025: Majority of Capital Juries in 2025 Rejected Death Sentences #deathpenalty
deathpenaltyinfo.org/research/ana...
deathpenaltyinfo.org/research/ana...
In California, a correctional officer stopped at a Starbucks while driving a woman in premature labor to the hospital, she said. The baby died. news.bloomberglaw.com/us-law-week/...
Pregnancy Behind Bars Proves Deadly for Women and Their Babies
A yearlong probe reveals dozens of pregnant women in jails face horrific conditions with limited medical care. Many are ignored when seeking help, miscarrying or giving birth on floors or in toilets. ...
news.bloomberglaw.com
November 24, 2025 at 6:29 PM
In California, a correctional officer stopped at a Starbucks while driving a woman in premature labor to the hospital, she said. The baby died. news.bloomberglaw.com/us-law-week/...
Reposted
SF supes are calling for action after Mission Local reported that women held in a San Francisco jail were allegedly mass strip searched.
“These women are gonna sue,” said D7’s Myrna Melgar. “They’re going to win. We’re going to end up paying for it.”
missionlocal.org/2025/11/sf-s...
“These women are gonna sue,” said D7’s Myrna Melgar. “They’re going to win. We’re going to end up paying for it.”
missionlocal.org/2025/11/sf-s...
‘Nauseated’: Supervisors call for oversight after alleged mass strip search in S.F. women’s jail
Supervisors are calling for action after Mission Local reported that women held in a San Francisco jail were allegedly mass strip searched.
missionlocal.org
November 22, 2025 at 1:32 AM
SF supes are calling for action after Mission Local reported that women held in a San Francisco jail were allegedly mass strip searched.
“These women are gonna sue,” said D7’s Myrna Melgar. “They’re going to win. We’re going to end up paying for it.”
missionlocal.org/2025/11/sf-s...
“These women are gonna sue,” said D7’s Myrna Melgar. “They’re going to win. We’re going to end up paying for it.”
missionlocal.org/2025/11/sf-s...
Reposted
At least 20 women who were held in a SF jail say earlier this year deputies ordered women to strip down in front of each other while the deputies laughed and filmed them.
The sheriff is looking into allegations; lawsuits could follow.
via @abineely.bsky.social
missionlocal.org/2025/11/sf-j...
The sheriff is looking into allegations; lawsuits could follow.
via @abineely.bsky.social
missionlocal.org/2025/11/sf-j...
Women in S.F. jail say they were forced to undress while deputies filmed them
Women being held in a San Francisco jail say deputies ordered them to strip while the deputies laughed and filmed them with body cameras.
missionlocal.org
November 21, 2025 at 2:44 AM
At least 20 women who were held in a SF jail say earlier this year deputies ordered women to strip down in front of each other while the deputies laughed and filmed them.
The sheriff is looking into allegations; lawsuits could follow.
via @abineely.bsky.social
missionlocal.org/2025/11/sf-j...
The sheriff is looking into allegations; lawsuits could follow.
via @abineely.bsky.social
missionlocal.org/2025/11/sf-j...
We all pay the price for police misconduct.
In the case of Daniel Saldana, an innocent man spent more than 30 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit and Baldwin Park taxpayers are now on the hook for $19 million.
In the case of Daniel Saldana, an innocent man spent more than 30 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit and Baldwin Park taxpayers are now on the hook for $19 million.
Wrongfully convicted man to get $19-million settlement from Baldwin Park
Wrongfully convicted man to get $19-million settlement from Baldwin Park
A man who was wrongfully convicted after a Baldwin Park detective manufactured evidence and coerced witnesses is set to receive a $19-million settlement from the city of Baldwin Park.
www.latimes.com
November 17, 2025 at 11:09 PM
We all pay the price for police misconduct.
In the case of Daniel Saldana, an innocent man spent more than 30 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit and Baldwin Park taxpayers are now on the hook for $19 million.
In the case of Daniel Saldana, an innocent man spent more than 30 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit and Baldwin Park taxpayers are now on the hook for $19 million.
Reposted
Recently on NPR, the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office was highlighted for its groundbreaking Neurocognitive Disorders Team — one of the only units of its kind in the nation. Our NDT team works with clients whose cognitive disabilities have gone unidentified for most of their lives.
November 17, 2025 at 2:56 AM
Recently on NPR, the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office was highlighted for its groundbreaking Neurocognitive Disorders Team — one of the only units of its kind in the nation. Our NDT team works with clients whose cognitive disabilities have gone unidentified for most of their lives.
Proponents of Prop. 36 promised voters a new era of “mass treatment” for drug addiction. Unfortunately they failed to provide a funding mechanism for any of it. Now, no one is getting addiction treatment but counties like San Diego are still stuck with the bill.
Proposition 36 Hits County Budget Hard
Implementing Proposition 36 is costing county government tens of millions of dollars at a time of major budget uncertainty.
voiceofsandiego.org
November 14, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Proponents of Prop. 36 promised voters a new era of “mass treatment” for drug addiction. Unfortunately they failed to provide a funding mechanism for any of it. Now, no one is getting addiction treatment but counties like San Diego are still stuck with the bill.
"District attorneys hold immense authority in people’s lives and in a community. When that authority is exercised by someone who publicly expresses racial, religious, or gender-based bias, it endangers both individual rights and the integrity of the justice system itself.” @katechatfield.bsky.social
Statement from CPDA Condemning Racist Statements From San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow - Nov. 13, 2025:
November 13, 2025 at 7:32 PM
"District attorneys hold immense authority in people’s lives and in a community. When that authority is exercised by someone who publicly expresses racial, religious, or gender-based bias, it endangers both individual rights and the integrity of the justice system itself.” @katechatfield.bsky.social
Reposted
“I enjoy my visits with my son. He is 11 and needs to know I am safe and it’s safe to come visit me. TV only shows prison rape and violence. I don’t want him to think I am being hurt here.”
Six Fathers on What It's Like to Parent From Prison
Incarcerated parents say it’s important to stay connected to their children, despite the challenges prison presents.
prisonjournalismproject.org
November 12, 2025 at 2:37 PM
“I enjoy my visits with my son. He is 11 and needs to know I am safe and it’s safe to come visit me. TV only shows prison rape and violence. I don’t want him to think I am being hurt here.”
Reposted
Commentary: For so long, I’ve carried the weight of knowing that my sister’s story was used to build systems that don’t work — that harm communities, that don’t make us safer and that don’t reflect what victims actually need.
bit.ly/47Ak4lG
📝 Jess Nichol
📸 Nic Coury, AP
bit.ly/47Ak4lG
📝 Jess Nichol
📸 Nic Coury, AP
November 12, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Commentary: For so long, I’ve carried the weight of knowing that my sister’s story was used to build systems that don’t work — that harm communities, that don’t make us safer and that don’t reflect what victims actually need.
bit.ly/47Ak4lG
📝 Jess Nichol
📸 Nic Coury, AP
bit.ly/47Ak4lG
📝 Jess Nichol
📸 Nic Coury, AP
Violations of due process protections undermine the integrity of the justice system and our public safety as a whole. When people don't trust the justice system to be fair and able to uphold their rights, they are less likely to report crimes. That makes us all less safe.
“That person might be innocent for whatever they’re charged with, but because they are caught by immigration, they’re trapped.”
In thousands of counties, ICE uses local jails to target undocumented people who are inside on minor charges.
In thousands of counties, ICE uses local jails to target undocumented people who are inside on minor charges.
ICE seizing migrants from county jails, raising due process concerns
In some parts of the U.S., ICE agents are seizing people directly from county jails to take into immigration custody. The tactic has raised concerns over due process.
www.npr.org
November 12, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Violations of due process protections undermine the integrity of the justice system and our public safety as a whole. When people don't trust the justice system to be fair and able to uphold their rights, they are less likely to report crimes. That makes us all less safe.
New Gallup poll: Americans as a whole prefer smart on crime strategies, over tough on crime tactics
📈 Two-thirds prefer prioritizing solutions social problems over focusing on law enforcement to lower crime
📉 Support for treating juvenile offenders like adults has reached all time low
📈 Two-thirds prefer prioritizing solutions social problems over focusing on law enforcement to lower crime
📉 Support for treating juvenile offenders like adults has reached all time low
Americans Prefer Tempered Crime-Fighting Methods
Americans as a whole favor addressing the root causes of crime over boosting law enforcement, and they oppose using military force in U.S. cities, but partisans' views strongly differ.
news.gallup.com
November 12, 2025 at 3:23 PM
New Gallup poll: Americans as a whole prefer smart on crime strategies, over tough on crime tactics
📈 Two-thirds prefer prioritizing solutions social problems over focusing on law enforcement to lower crime
📉 Support for treating juvenile offenders like adults has reached all time low
📈 Two-thirds prefer prioritizing solutions social problems over focusing on law enforcement to lower crime
📉 Support for treating juvenile offenders like adults has reached all time low
“I’ve spent years watching how survivor voices get co-opted — how our pain becomes a tool for policies that don’t serve us,” writes Jess Nichol, sister of the late Polly Klaas. But what do survivors actually want and need in the aftermath of harm? Via @calmatters.org calmatters.org/commentary/2...?
Opinion | California study is asking crime survivors what we need
Polly Klaas' sister regrets that politicians used Polly's death to justify "tough on crime" laws such as California's Three Strikes law. A study will collect survivors' thoughts.
calmatters.org
November 12, 2025 at 2:48 PM
“I’ve spent years watching how survivor voices get co-opted — how our pain becomes a tool for policies that don’t serve us,” writes Jess Nichol, sister of the late Polly Klaas. But what do survivors actually want and need in the aftermath of harm? Via @calmatters.org calmatters.org/commentary/2...?
Reposted
One year after Proposition 36 passed, California is seeing the opposite of what proponents promised: the measure has fueled mass incarceration while depriving people of the treatment and support they need to break cycles of harm and provide stability.
One Year of Prop 36: Treatment Stalled, Justice Denied
2 Urban Girls covers news on a local, regional, state and national level!
2urbangirls.com
November 7, 2025 at 7:02 PM
One year after Proposition 36 passed, California is seeing the opposite of what proponents promised: the measure has fueled mass incarceration while depriving people of the treatment and support they need to break cycles of harm and provide stability.
Reposted
Reminder: Crime in the U.S. is at its lowest since 1961.
November 8, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Reminder: Crime in the U.S. is at its lowest since 1961.
In California, nearly HALF of the people who had a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole were convicted of felony murder.
Fortunately, #CAleg began overhauling this excessive and unfair practice starting in 2019. Reforms have allowed ~1,200 people to seek resentencing.
Fortunately, #CAleg began overhauling this excessive and unfair practice starting in 2019. Reforms have allowed ~1,200 people to seek resentencing.
November 10, 2025 at 6:04 PM
In California, nearly HALF of the people who had a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole were convicted of felony murder.
Fortunately, #CAleg began overhauling this excessive and unfair practice starting in 2019. Reforms have allowed ~1,200 people to seek resentencing.
Fortunately, #CAleg began overhauling this excessive and unfair practice starting in 2019. Reforms have allowed ~1,200 people to seek resentencing.
This 👇
November 8, 2025 at 5:14 PM
This 👇
By 2030, ppl over 50 will make up to 30% of the prison population. As @mkoran.bsky.social writes, states already spend 2-5x more to incarcerate ppl who are 50+. An aging population will further strain prison systems. Compassionate release eases the burden & costs www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/u...
A Prison Hospice Program for the Living and the Dying
www.nytimes.com
November 7, 2025 at 7:53 PM
By 2030, ppl over 50 will make up to 30% of the prison population. As @mkoran.bsky.social writes, states already spend 2-5x more to incarcerate ppl who are 50+. An aging population will further strain prison systems. Compassionate release eases the burden & costs www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/u...