California’s Failed Prison Reform Is Killing Inmates

Jason Pohl / The Sacramento Bee, and Ryan Gabrielson / ProPublica Apr 29, 2019 The Golden State's sweeping 2011 prison downsizing and criminal justice reforms have led to a sharp increase in inmate deaths at county jails. Dig deeper ( 19 Min. Read )

Transgender Inmate Suing Prison Agency Claims Rape

KATHLEEN FOODY / The Associated Press May 3, 2018 Lindsay Saunders-Velez says she was assaulted at a men’s prison after a judge denied her request to block the prison from keeping her in a disciplinary unit. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

Illinois Cutting Solitary Confinement Time for Juveniles

Duaa Eldeib / ProPublica Oct 29, 2017 State officials heed a court order regarding the punishment and say research on the harm of isolating young offenders is too powerful to ignore. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Part 6: Out of the Halfway House, and Then a Scare

By Ronald W. Pierce Jan 16, 2017 After more than 30 years in prison and halfway houses, the 58-year-old author walks free in the world. Dig deeper ( 6 Min. Read )

Part 5: Back to School and a Sense of Renewal

By Ronald W. Pierce Jan 15, 2017 After earning an associate degree in prison, the author, 58, hopes to complete his Bachelor of Arts study through a program at Rutgers University. Dig deeper ( 6 Min. Read )

Obama Isn’t Following Through on Pardons Promise, Says His Former Pardons Attorney

Staff / Truthdig Apr 3, 2016 The initiative President Obama unveiled two years ago, granting early release to potentially thousands of federal prisoners serving long sentences for low-level drug crimes, has barely made a dent. A resignation letter from the president’s recently departed pardon attorney gives at least one reason why. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

‘Homeboy Creative’ Showcases Poetry by At-Risk Youths and Former Gang Members (Multimedia)

Staff / Truthdig Mar 22, 2016 The nonprofit organization in Los Angeles provides hope for at-risk youths, former gang members and previously incarcerated men and women. Truthdig will be featuring writers from Homeboy Industries in a series called “Homeboy Creative.” Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Let’s Put Prison Sentences on Probation

Staff / Truthdig Jan 20, 2016 Judges share the blame for America's burgeoning imprisoned population. They seem to have missed the movement against mass incarceration. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

VIDEO: John Oliver Walks Us Through the Painful Obstacles Ex-Prisoners Face When Re-Entering Society

Staff / Truthdig Nov 9, 2015 The "Last Week Tonight" host explains how 50 percent of ex-prisoners end up back in jail thanks to challenges legislators have placed -- inhumanely, some would argue -- in their way. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

The Prominence and Plight of Girls in the Juvenile Justice System

Staff / Truthdig Oct 6, 2015 Girls, many of whom have suffered a range of traumas at home, make up a growing share of children arrested and detained across the country. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Federal Judge Reveals the Shocking Truth About Our Broken Criminal Justice System

Natasha Hakimi Zapata / Truthdig Jul 29, 2015 Alex Kozinski, a Reagan-appointed California judge, explains why Americans need to open their eyes and realize that the U.S. justice system is far from just. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

VIDEO: John Oliver: Mandatory Minimum Prison Sentences Are a Relic of Reagan-Era Drug Paranoia

Natasha Hakimi Zapata / Truthdig Jul 27, 2015 The "Last Week Tonight" host makes the compelling case for not only getting rid of mandatory minimum prison sentences for drug offenses, but for passing legislation that would allow existing prisoners to apply to have their sentences reduced retroactively. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )