News & Commentary about Prisoners' Rights

The National Prison Project is dedicated to ensuring that our nation's prisons, jails, and detention centers comply with the Constitution, domestic law, and human rights principles.

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Inmates walk around a recreation yard of a California prison.

Apr 13, 2020

Federal Wardens Must Immediately Flatten the Curve in our Nation's Prisons

Apr 8, 2020

Isolation, Before and During a Pandemic

Inmates pass the time in their cell block. Some pictured on the phone, some watching television, and some playing card games at tables. As concerns regarding the spread of COVID-19 mount, inmates argue that prisons have no plan in place protect against the spread of the illness.

Mar 19, 2020

We Know Prisons Need COVID-19 Plans, but our Arizona Prison Tour Suggests it’s not Happening

An image of empty prison cells. Are prisons ready for the ensuing COVID-19 pandemic?

Mar 6, 2020

Are Our Prisons and Jails Ready for COVID-19?

Dec 16, 2019

2019 was a Watershed Year in the Movement to Stop Solitary Confinement

A collage of historical photos and documents, including a page with the heading "Instructions to All Persons of Japanese Ancestry"

Dec 2, 2019

During Japanese American Incarceration, the ACLU Lost — and Then Found — Its Way

Nov 8, 2019

Why I'm Fighting for Menstrual Equity in Prison

Deputies observe incarcerated people at in a women's detention area

Aug 27, 2019

Stripped of Their Rights

Jul 3, 2019

I Spent 16 Months in Solitary Confinement and Now I’m Fighting to End It

Jun 28, 2019

Working in Prison, I Witnessed the Inhumane Conditions of Solitary for Incarcerated Women