Alabama Woman Faces Life Sentence For Killing Man Who Allegedly Raped Her
In 2018, Brittany Smith killed a man who she said brutally raped her. Smith was charged with murder and she now faces life in prison as well as challenges getting adequate treatment at a state psychiatric hospital.
Lauren Gill Apr 10, 2019
San Francisco Deputy Public Defender Chesa Boudin Announces Run for District Attorney
In a wide-ranging interview, Boudin, a progressive reform candidate, told The Appeal he wants to redefine ‘public safety’ to encompass the rights of both victims and defendants.
Melissa Gira Grant Jan 15, 2019
In 2018, Activists Transformed ‘Tough on Crime’ from Asset to Liability
A series of electoral victories signals a nationwide shift.
Daniel Nichanian Dec 24, 2018
Boston’s New D.A. Pushes Back Against Prosecutors’ ‘Punishment-centric’ Point of View
Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins’s promise to decline to prosecute several offenses is a rejection of the punitive tradition of prosecutors and perhaps signals a new kind of reform that spurns criminal justice as a solution to public health problems.
John Pfaff Nov 14, 2018
In Alabama, Black People Are 4 Times More Likely Than White People To Be Arrested For Marijuana Possession
A new report details Alabama’s “War on Marijuana” ahead of a key DA election.
George Joseph Oct 18, 2018
In One Pennsylvania County, Rape Victims Rarely Find Justice
Since 2015, police in Adams County have taken dozens of reports of rape, yet charges were filed in just two cases.
Joshua Vaughn Sep 25, 2018
Man Sentenced As ‘Career Criminal’ Gets His First Chance At Freedom In 48 Years
Despite a 2015 Supreme Court ruling limiting the mandatory minimum law, few people are seeing relief.
Levi Pulkkinen Sep 11, 2018
A New Power for Prosecutors is on the Horizon—Reducing Harsh Sentences
Legislation in California would provide a direct route to resentencing, and a new tool for activists.
Kyle C. Barry Sep 07, 2018
Justice In America Episode 7: The New Progressive Prosecutors?
After Tuesday’s primary victories for reform candidates, defining a progressive agenda for prosecutors is more pressing than ever. Rashad Robinson joins Josie and Clint.
In Pennsylvania, Defendants Pay A Fee Just To Plead Guilty
The ‘plea fee’ stems from a state law passed in the 1980s and can cost nearly $200, depending on the county.
Joshua Vaughn Aug 29, 2018
Justice in America Episode 4: A Conversation With John Legend
Josie and Clint talk with the artist about criminal justice reform and his #FREEAMERICA campaign.
The Appeal Podcast Episode 11: Prosecutors Team Up With Walmart to Crack Down on Petty Crime
With journalist Jessica Pishko.
Adam H. Johnson Aug 09, 2018
Justice in America Episode 3: Who Built Mass Incarceration? Prosecutors
A podcast from The Appeal, featuring Josie Duffy Rice and Clint Smith.
St. Louis County Could Oust The Prosecutor Who Helped Ignite Ferguson Protests
His opponent in Tuesday’s primary helped establish new police accountability and court reforms in Ferguson after the police shooting of Michael Brown.
Amanda Sakuma Aug 06, 2018
Conservatives Are Obsessed With Prosecutorial Overreach
Unfortunately for millions of Americans, only one case matters: Trump's.
Josie Duffy Rice Jul 11, 2018
In Louisiana, Harsh Prosecutors Are Moving From Parish to Parish
When Caddo voters booted their infamous district attorney, some of his toughest prosecutors found a home in Calcasieu.
Josie Duffy Rice Jun 29, 2018
A Massachusetts District Attorney Tries To Crown His Successor
In the Berkshire County DA race, the establishment is resorting to extreme measures to ensure it maintains power and avoids change.
Eoin Higgins Jun 26, 2018
Louisiana’s Love Affair With Locking Up Kids For Life
Years after two landmark Supreme Court rulings, prosecutors in Louisiana are still overwhelmingly seeking life sentences for children.
Victoria Law Jun 13, 2018
Announcing The Appeal Podcast
Our debut episodes feature Josie Duffy Rice on prosecutors and Melissa Gira Grant on criminalizing sex work.
Adam H. Johnson May 31, 2018
The Appeal Podcast Episode 1: District Attorneys Are The Most Powerful People You’ve Never Heard Of
With Josie Duffy Rice, senior staff reporter at The Appeal.
The Epidemic of Brady Violations: Explained
Jessica Brand Apr 25, 2018
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.
Rebecca McCray Dec 21, 2017
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.
Rebecca McCray Nov 29, 2017
Man Declared “Factually Innocent” of Murder is Granted a Full Pardon
The pardon vote removes any “residual stain” on his record.
Larry Hannan Nov 22, 2017
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.
Is Mark Gonzalez The Reformer He Promised To Be?
So far, the report card on the “Mexican Biker” prosecutor is mixed.
Carimah Townes Nov 21, 2017
The arrest and charging of Karla Frye marks a pivotal moment for protest in St. Louis County
Her case says a lot about prosecutorial discretion.
Carimah Townes Sep 28, 2017
Las Vegas jury decides that a brutal murder does not justify the death penalty
John Valerio shows that violent offenders can change.
Carimah Townes Sep 25, 2017
Oklahoma sheriff indicted for jail death
Carimah Townes Jul 31, 2017