Halfway houses While halfway houses were supposed to help people prepare for a future in the community, their residents say they felt like they were still in prison. 0 Minute Read Individuals with prior criminal records often encounter discrimination in areas like employment, education, and housing. In...
DC Expungement NO LEGAL ADVICE INTENDED This website includes information about legal issues and legal developments. Such materials are for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current legal developments. These informational materials are not intended, and should not be taken, as legal advice on...
Parole and Supervised Release Even the United States Parole Commission doesn’t want to be the body deciding whether to deny parole to people convicted of DC Code offenses or send people back to jail. 13 Minute Read More than twenty years ago, DC shifted from a parole system,...
Solitary confinement The US Senate Judiciary Committee held hearings on solitary confinement – DC’s Judiciary and Public Safety Committee has not. 8 Minute Read When someone incarcerated is placed in solitary confinement, they are kept alone in a prison or jail cell with no meaningful human interaction...
pregnancy and childbirth Every mother and child should bond in a safe and healthy environment–not be handcuffed and separated at birth in custody. 7 Minute Read watch the most recent council hearing When an individual is pregnant and gives birth, they need a proper diet, prenatal vitamins,...
qualified immunity Qualified immunity emboldens police violence and impedes accountability. 6 Minute Read Qualified immunity is a legal doctrine that can limit a person's ability to sue public employees, such as police officers, for constitutional rights violations. An officer can receive qualified immunity only if a court decides...
reparations Reparations have the potential to reduce the racial wealth gap and increase public safety. 5 Minute Read Researchers, government entities, and elected officials have acknowledged slavery and discrimination led directly to the health, housing, and wealth gaps between Black and white residents in the US. As...
Jury demandability In DC, you can demand a jury trial of your peers if you face a lawsuit for $20 or more, but not if you face 180 days in jail. 5 Minute Read The right to demand a jury trial is fundamental to U.S. democracy. It provides...