Texas

Jail deaths and ICE cooperation have defined the first term of Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn, who faces a tough challenge in next month’s election.

Dominic Selvera hopes to “shrink the system” if elected Travis County Attorney. In a Q&A, he explained how he would cut prosecutions, and steer money toward public services “outside of the criminal justice system.”

The death penalty, drug policy, and bail reform are shaping Texas debates, with primaries just weeks away. But across the state, hundreds of local elections are left uncontested.

The response lays bare the absurd premise of those who offer a handful of anecdotes as reason enough to oppose a systemic reform.

Legislative roundup: Miami officials plan to counter Florida’s “poll tax” law, California’s law restricting felony murder gains a powerful ally, and more Many of the laws that govern the American criminal justice system are set at the state level. Explore the latest developments on criminal justice reform in legislatures around the country with the Political […]

Legislative Roundup: New Jersey adopts rare restrictions on solitary confinement, Missouri reform will cut prison population, and more

The latest on the politics of prosecutors, this month from Maine, North Carolina, Texas, and Utah.

Criminal justice reform in the states: North Dakota legislature adopts two bills, Texas holds hearing on decriminalizing marijuana, and more.

Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg’s budget request has sparked calls for her office to adopt a policy of declining to prosecute certain cases.

New York would benefit from looking at Texas, which is surprisingly progressive on various criminal justice issues. But while legislative reforms are necessary, they are in no way sufficient.

Louisiana phases out nonunanimous juries, Floridians regains the right to vote, Houston moves toward changing its bail system, and more.

Candidates who have pledged to curb pretrial detention gained in Texas, and grabbed a legislative majority in New York.

Beto O’Rourke may have lost his Senate bid, but among the down-ballot beneficiaries of historically high Democratic turnout were judicial candidates in the state’s big cities.

San Antonio DA candidate pledges to put ‘real teeth’ into cite-and-release program

Watch and read Ted Cruz and Beto O’Rourke debate policing in Texas In a Sept. 21 debate, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and his Democratic challenger Representative Beto O’Rourke were asked about Amber Guyger, the Dallas police officer who killed Botham Jean in his own apartment. Cruz promptly attacked O’Rourke for disrespecting police officers. “I think it […]

Senator Ted Cruz and Representative Beto O’Rourke debate on September 21st featured a lengthy exchange on policing and protests. Watch the relevant footage–or read our transcript below.   Transcript Gromer Jeffers: Senator Cruz, this question is for you. This month in Dallas officer Amber Guyger shot Botham John, a Black man, in his own apartment. […]