Articles by Rebecca McCray
Andrew Cuomo Promised Criminal Justice Reforms, But New York Is Still Waiting
The governor has rolled back bail reform, not released enough prisoners during the pandemic, and failed to rein in police abuses, advocates and prisoners say.
For Some Local Prosecutors, the Post-Roe World is Already Here
As the potential demise of Roe v. Wade looms, past and current prosecutions of pregnant women illustrate what lies ahead.
For New York Prisoners, a Package Policy that Effectively Pits TV Against Books
A little-known New York Department of Corrections and Community Supervision policy has limited access to books in at least nine prisons for years.
How a Dallas District Attorney Reached Her ‘Nixon in China’ Moment
Faith Johnson’s recent indictment of a Mesquite police officer for shooting an innocent man follows years of work by community activists.
To End the Opioid Crisis, Skip the Handcuffs and Rethink Health Insurance, Report Says
A new report from The Sentencing Project offers a blueprint for putting an end to a deadly epidemic.
More Than 50,000 Californians Can Get ‘Back on the Road’
Alameda County Superior Court reversed license suspensions for 54,000 people who were punished for their inability to pay fines.
For Victims of Corrupt Chicago Police, An Unusual Taste of Justice
Fifteen men had their tainted convictions vacated by State’s Attorney Kim Foxx’s office, but this isn’t the norm when it comes to prosecutors.
Ditching the Bondsman is Only Part of the Battle for Bail Reform
The five states that have done away with commercial bond outlets still struggle with inequity when it comes to cash bail.
Finding a Place for Restorative Justice
A new project chronicles the myriad alternative visions of justice taking place in the U.S. and Canada.
For a New Breed of Prosecutors, Justice Sometimes Entails a Second Chance
“I always thought there had to be some sweet spot between 15 months and forever.”
Cryptocurrency is the Next Frontier in the Quest to Abolish Cash Bail
A new app seeks to liberate people from more than “liberal malaise.”
What’s in the Water in Pennsylvania?
A pattern of scandals, misconduct, and federal reversals seem to plague the state’s district attorneys.
Can a Prosecutor-Led Program Tackle Recidivism?
Community members are cautiously optimistic, but wary of the program’s emergence during election season.
When “Ambiguity” Can Mean Life in Prison
A Louisiana man’s request for a “lawyer dog” was deemed unclear by the state’s Supreme Court.
Cuomo Talks Justice Reform, But Clings to Archaic Knife Law
A law that results in disproportionate arrests and prosecutions of black and Latino New Yorkers will stand.
California jail hunger strikers: “We’re seeking humanity”
Alameda and Santa Clara County jail detainees round out the first week of a hunger strike for better conditions.
#ByeCy: Organizers call for embattled Manhattan D.A.’s resignation
A movement to oust Cyrus Vance gains steam.
In Mississippi, a Lost Second Chance for Gerome Moore
“You look like a cold-blooded monster.”