How Sheriffs Are Extracting Wealth from People in Jail

Through fees and forced labor, sheriffs typically exacerbate the financial costs of incarceration, but they could also mitigate them.

Katie Jane Fernelius Jun 30, 2021

North Carolina’s Clemency Process is a ‘Black Box,’ Advocates Say

Even with the recent creation of the Juvenile Sentence Review Board, the governor's process for granting clemency remains unclear.

Katie Jane Fernelius May 21, 2021

In Nation’s Incarceration Capital, a New D.A. Is Freeing People From Prison

New Orleans DA Jason Williams is making changes to remedy excessive sentencing, obstacles to parole, and convictions made by nonunanimous juries.

Katie Jane Fernelius Apr 21, 2021

Let Civilians Run for Sheriff Again, New California Bill Proposes

The measure may pave the way for more sheriff candidates who want to challenge mass incarceration, but are currently banned from running.

Katie Jane Fernelius Feb 01, 2021

New D.A. Commits to Fixing Georgia’s ‘Backdoor to Incarceration’

The new DA of Athens wants to bring down Georgia’s sky-high probation rate. She also announced an end to marijuana prosecutions and the death penalty.

Katie Jane Fernelius Jan 11, 2021

A D.A. Runoff Will Decide New Orleans’ Criminal Justice Future

In the nation’s incarceration capital, activists push for a prosecutor who will make sweeping reforms.

Katie Jane Fernelius Nov 23, 2020

Two New Orleans Public Defenders Elected Judge in a Push to “Flip the Bench”

Angel Harris and Nandi Campbell will become criminal court judges, bucking the norm of former prosecutors filling the role.

Katie Jane Fernelius Nov 04, 2020

New Orleans Public Defenders Are Mobilizing to “Flip the Bench”

These candidates are highlighting the power of judges to challenge mass incarceration.

Katie Jane Fernelius Oct 16, 2020

How New Orleans Activists Are Pushing D.A. Candidates to End Mass Incarceration

The retirement of a notoriously harsh DA has opened the door for criminal justice reform in New Orleans.

Katie Jane Fernelius Oct 08, 2020

Eviction Crisis Brings Urgency to Local Judge Elections

A heated race for New Orleans First City Court Judge highlighted the power judges have to limit evictions, as millions of Americans are at risk of losing their homes.

Katie Jane Fernelius Aug 20, 2020