Criminal Justice
In the United States, the promise of “justice for all” is for many citizens too often just a promise. At almost each point at which individuals enter the system—from the moment of initial arrest, to courtroom proceedings, and eventual re-entry, the criminal justice system badly needs reform. Though constitutionally entitled to counsel, many citizens charged with criminal conduct face court proceedings without benefit of reliable counsel.
The Brennan Center works to close the resulting “justice gap.” We lead a national indigent defense reform movement, that is dedicated to strengthening defender services and to securing the promise of Gideon. Through our Community Defender Network, we help public defenders achieve important policy reforms, even as they represent their clients in individual cases. And, we are working to ensure that a new generation of “fees and fines” does not unfairly shift the costs of criminal justice systems onto those least able to shoulder them.
This case tests the ambit of the protection afforded by the Sixth Amendment of right to counsel.
Comments to FCC Regarding Prison Phone Rates
The Brennan Center for Justice has submitted a series of comments on a petition asking the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") to issue a rule dealing with prison phone rates. The Comments urge the FCC to take into account the harms caused by the high costs of phone calls for prisoners, their families, court-appointed attorneys, and social services providers.
Rothgery v. Gillespie County, Texas
In this case, the Court holds that the right to counsel under the 6th Amendment exists when the charges are first presented against the defendant in a court of law, even if a prosecutor is not yet involved in that specific proceeding.
Monday marked the passing of a great partner in our work to restore voting rights to people who have come out of the criminal justice system....
Maryland and other states have created a lose-lose situation—funding court and correctional systems by levying fees on those unable to pay them....
Those of us raised on cop dramas take for granted that in this country you have the right to an attorney, and that if you cannot afford it, one will be provided to you....
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.
Justice Integrity Act of 2009 Introduced
The legislation is intended to restore public confidence in the fair and equitable application of justice.
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.
Nicole M. Austin-Hillery Before Senate Committee on the Judiciary
Testimony given before Subcommittee on Crime and Drugs strongly supports efforts to end disparities between crack and powder cocaine sentencing.
Melanca Clark Before House Judiciary Subcommitteeon Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security
Testimony submitted as part of a coalition of advocates coordinated under the umbrella of the Michigan Campaign for Justice. The hearing was titled: “Representation of Indigent Defendants in Criminal Cases: A Constitutional Crisis in Michigan and Other States?”
Letter to FCC Urging Action on Outstanding Petition
Letter to the FCC urges the Commission to take action on an outstanding petition to address the harm caused by high phone rates charged to people in prison.
Pinched Courts Push to Bolster Budgets Through Fees and Fines
Valerie Gainous paid her debt to society, but almost went to jail because of a debt to Florida’s courts....
Here is a tale that sounds like it comes right from the pages of “Little Dorrit,” Charles Dickens’s scathing indictment of Victorian England’s debtors’ prisons. Unfortunately, it is happening in 21st-century America....
Collections Court in Leon County, Florida
Selected findings from forthcoming Brennan Center report on court fees in Florida.