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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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