Vanguard social justice articles involving criminal justice reform
Frequent prison transfers in New York disrupt the lives of incarcerated individuals, causing stress, anxiety, and separation from loved ones, and the transfer process itself is harsh and uncomfortable.
Birmingham city leaders are calling for the repeal of a racist amendment in Alabama’s state constitution that restricts funding for public transportation, which is blocking a proposal to redesign the MAX bus system.
U.S. Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly removed and tackled by federal agents during a Department of Homeland Security press conference, sparking bipartisan condemnation and calls for a full investigation into the actions of the officers who manhandled a sitting U.S. Senator.
Former Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price has issued an open letter criticizing her successor, Ursula Jones-Dickson, for dismantling key justice reforms, removing staff, and undermining public trust, and has warned that major police accountability cases are now in jeopardy.
Advocates are calling on Governor Newsom to fully decommission shuttered state prisons and prevent them from being repurposed as ICE detention centers, as federal immigration raids are increasing across California.
The Trump administration’s deployment of the National Guard and U.S. Marines to Southern California in response to recent immigration protests has sparked a backlash from civil rights groups and state officials, who denounce it as a “militarized crackdown” that violates constitutional rights and endangers lives.
Richard Glossip, who has spent nearly 30 years on death row, will face a new trial for first-degree murder, but no longer under threat of execution, following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling and a decision by Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond.
The Supreme Court’s decision to recuse five justices in the Baker v. Coates case due to potential conflicts of interest has been viewed as a step in the right direction, but CREW is calling for a formal, consistent, and transparent process for addressing such conflicts.
Virginia man William Curtis Smith was sentenced to one day in jail, two years of probation, 50 hours of community service, and a $9,800 fine for killing 20 bald eagles, sparking outrage from wildlife advocates and raising questions about the enforcement of federal protections for America’s national bird.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has denounced President Trump’s actions as a slide into authoritarianism, while California Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed a lawsuit against Trump, arguing that the federalization of the California National Guard without the state’s consent is unconstitutional.
The Trump administration’s ICE raids and military deployment in California are a direct attack on the state’s values and sovereignty, and the federal government must take immediate action to halt the raids and withdraw the troops from our streets.
ICE agents have detained five people in Sacramento federal courtrooms after the Trump administration rescinded guidance to avoid making arrests at places of worship and at immigration appointments.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced that more than a dozen individuals have been charged with felonies and misdemeanors in connection with recent immigration protests in Downtown Los Angeles, including assaults on law enforcement, vandalism, grand theft, and weapons offenses.
The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals lifted a district court’s stay of execution for John Hanson, allowing his execution on June 12, despite unresolved allegations of bias and constitutional violations in his clemency hearing.
The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to initiate removal proceedings against Sheriff Christina Corpus following an independent report alleging misconduct and corruption, which she denies.
The Trump administration is asking the Supreme Court to allow the deportation of immigrants without a chance to challenge their removal in court, potentially eroding protections under the Convention Against Torture and setting a precedent for future administrations to circumvent human rights obligations.
A Utah judge ruled that Ralph Leroy Menzies, who has spent nearly 40 years on death row and was recently diagnosed with dementia, is still competent to be executed for the 1986 murder of Maurine Hunsaker, despite his cognitive decline.
The First Amendment Coalition and 27 other organizations have sent a letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, alleging that federal officers may have violated the First Amendment rights of journalists covering demonstrations against ICE raids in Los Angeles.
California voters approved Prop. 36, which would raise penalties for repeat offenders while offering treatment-or-felony alternatives, but the measure lacked a funding mechanism, leaving Governor Gavin Newsom to decide whether to veto the budget proposal that would provide $110 million in one-time money to implement the law.
Sacramento County public schools are receiving $40 million annually under Proposition 28 to fund visual and performing arts education, but are struggling to comply with the requirements and involve parents in the planning process.