Press Releases
Criminal Justice
Saddled with Debt, Indigent Defendants Face New Paths Back to Prison
States are increasingly imposing onerous “user fees” on those convicted of crimes, making it almost impossible for the indigent to repay their debt and successfully re-enter society, according to separate reports released today by the Brennan Center for Justice and American Civil Liberties Union.
– 10/04/10
Prosecutorial Guidelines Offer DOJ Blueprint for Reform
The Brennan Center for Justice re-releases newly-relevant prosecutorial Guidelines to reduce racial disparities in the criminal justice system. If adopted, the Guidelines would promote equal justice and improve public safety and confidence in law enforcement.
– 04/14/10
Cash Register Justice
Florida’s practice of financing its criminal justice system with fees from the indigent creates a vicious cycle of debt for ex-offenders that threatens their successful re-entry into society, according to a new Brennan Center report released today.
– 03/23/10
Morgenthau Leads 62 Former Prosecutors in Call for Better Defense of the Indigent
62 former New York prosecutors joined an amicus brief in support of a suit, now pending before New York’s highest court, which alleges that New York State’s legal services for the poor are constitutionally inadequate.
– 02/05/10
Brennan Center Study Shows Parole Fees Undercut Reentry
Maryland’s parole supervision fee raises little state revenue, while burdening parolees with debt they cannot pay.
– 03/23/09
Justice Integrity Act of 2009 Introduced
The legislation is intended to restore public confidence in the fair and equitable application of justice.
– 02/26/09
Coalition Releases Criminal Justice Policy Roadmap
More than 20 organizations, including the Brennan Center for Justice, and individuals is pleased to announce the publication of a catalogue of key criminal justice issues and policy recommendations for the next administration and congress.
– 11/06/08
Study Exposes Lack of Standards for Appointing Defense Counsel
This report covers unfair practices in effect in states including Florida, Tennessee, Ohio, and Nebraska, and highlights best practices in others, like Massachusetts, Washington, and Vermont. People are often wrongly denied defense counsel, violating 6th Amendment.
– 09/16/08
Sixth Amendment Upheld in Rothgery
The ruling held under the Sixth Amendment that a person charged with a crime must be provided with counsel at the time of the initial arraignment—when the government first presents its charges against the defendant before a court of law—even if a prosecutor is not involved in that proceeding.
– 06/24/08