News & Commentary about Smart Justice

The ACLU Campaign for Smart Justice is an unprecedented, multiyear effort to reduce the U.S. jail and prison population by 50% and to challenge racism in the criminal legal system.

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Prisoners reach through the metal bars of their cells.

Sep 3, 2020

My Brother’s Not Afraid of Much. With COVID-19 in Prison, He’s Scared Out of His Mind.

Aug 26, 2020

Adel’s Hidden Agenda: ACLU Exposes Maricopa Prosecutor’s Hypocrisy

Jason Hernandez holding his executive grant of clemency given by President Barack Obama.

Aug 5, 2020

Clemency, Redemption, and Justice: A Personal Story

Aug 4, 2020

From Punishment to Promise: The Power of Redemption

Jul 27, 2020

Incarcerated People are Still Dying of COVID-19, and We’re Still Fighting to Save Them

Incarcerated people lying in rows of prison bunk beds.

Jul 27, 2020

Decarceration and Crime During COVID-19

Packets of buprenorphine, a drug which controls heroin and opioid cravings.

Jul 22, 2020

As Overdoses Spike During Coronavirus, Treating Addiction in Prisons and Jails is a Matter of Life and Death

Jul 22, 2020

This Canadian Company is Bankrolling the Predatory Bail Industry

Roger Stone leaving federal court with raised arms wide and flashing two V-shaped hand signs.

Jul 17, 2020

While Trump Protects His Cronies, Governors can Use That Same Power to Protect the Most Vulnerable

May 29, 2020

Recidivism Will Only Decrease if Successful Reentry is Embraced as an Antidote for Mass Incarceration