Policy
More people have died in New York City jails than previously known
Since 2014, at least 120 people held in city jails have died while in custody or shortly after being released on medical grounds – but some of those deaths have gone unreported.
Policy
Here's how parents are really treated on Rikers
Unable to exercise their parental rights, incarcerated fathers and mothers can often feel isolated from their children.
Heard Around Town
Poll: New Yorkers support Wrongful Convictions Act
The vast majority of people polled last month supported legislation that would make it easier to overturn wrongful convictions.
Rikers Island
Elected officials sound the alarm on proposed city budget cuts to Rikers
Amid proposed cuts to jail-based programming, New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams says the Eric Adams administration is at a crossroads
NYPD
Under Adams and Sewell, advocates allege rollback in police accountability
The city’s police watchdog said that Sewell has disagreed with or declined to pursue their recommended discipline for substantiated complaints of misconduct in most cases.
2023 session wrap-up
With new bill, Clean Slate looks closer than ever to becoming law
State leaders say they’ve reached a three-way deal on sealing people’s criminal records after a multi-year period.
Criminal Justice
Rap Music on Trial bill would stop prosecutors from citing irrelevant lyrics in court
The bill addresses the increasingly common practice of prosecutors using defendants’ rap songs to harm their character.
Criminal Justice
This year’s Clean Slate debate is a familiar one
New York lawmakers have long argued over whose records should be sealed, from whom they should be kept and how long after they served prison time.
Opinion
Opinion: Cuts to programming that helps people incarcerated at Rikers Island are shortsighted
The Department of Correction wants to eliminate $17 million in jail-based programs
Opinion
Opinion: ‘Felony arrest’ data shouldn’t determine criminal justice policy
More than 80% of people arrested on felony charges have their cases dismissed.
Opinion
Opinion: It's time to eliminate New York's statute of limitations for sex trafficking
Survivors shouldn’t be prevented from securing the accountability and justice they deserve because they’ve taken too long to come forward.
Criminal Justice
Latrice Walker and public defenders pledge to fight excessive bail despite latest rollbacks to bail reform
Bail reform or no bail reform, judges are still bound by the Eighth Amendment prohibition on excessive bail, the Assembly member said.
Criminal Justice
Parole bills advance in NY Legislature
The bills would make it easier for incarcerated people to be considered for release.
Criminal Justice
Opinion: The problem with plea bargains and how NY can help the innocent
Due to coercive pressures, many innocent people plead guilty to crimes they didn’t commit. New York has an opportunity to allow them to seek justice.
Policy
Bronx DA Darcel Clark backs parole reform bills
She’s the third New York City district attorney to support the Elder Parole and Fair & Timely Parole bills.
Criminal Justice
NYC comptroller says old criminal convictions cost city residents nearly $2.4 billion in annual wages
The Legislature only has a few more days left to pass the Clean Slate Act, which would seal old criminal convictions.
Editor's Note
Editor’s note: Jordan Neely’s death shows how homeless people are the ones at risk
Neely didn’t deserve to die for being in a heightened level of distress.
Criminal Justice
A (not so) brief guide to New York’s bail reform evolution
Highly technical modifications to the state’s criminal procedure law have become a symbol of “soft on crime” policies and derailed negotiations over multiple budgets.
Interviews & Profiles
Latrice Walker: ‘Agitate, advocate, legislate – and if that doesn't work – litigate’
After going on a three-week hunger strike to protest further bail reform rollbacks, the New York Assembly member said she plans to bring the fight to court.
Politics
After criticism, Hochul tries to clarify comments on subway killing
Progressives criticized the governor – and Mayor Adams – for not forcefully condemning the killing of Jordan Neely.
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