Blog
Experimental Writing Course Provides Alternative to Jail
In Richmond, VA, a new diversion program is providing an opportunity for transformative self reflection. The program, called “Writing Your Way Out: A Criminal Justice Diversion Program” allows participants to take a Virginia Commonwealth University writing course as an alternative to jail. It is part of a partnership between VCU, the VCU College of Humanities and Sciences, […]
NC Police Officer Opens Up About Mistreatment of Black Men by Police
Shaunte Southern is a Sergeant in Gaston County, North Carolina. He has served primarily with patrol and the SWAT team. In a recent essay he wrote for The Undefeated, he opens up about racism in law enforcement. He writes, “[t]o be honest with you, I think that African-American males are treated differently by law enforcement, and that’s my honest opinion. I think this fear of black men is real. As a black officer, sometimes you feel like people expect or want you to pick a side- when in fact you can be both pro-black or pro-police.”
Stanly County Sheriff to Use Armed Volunteers in Schools
Do you want armed volunteers in your local schools? This is yet another issue of critical importance to engage your local sheriff. In Stanly County, the school board recently passed a measure that would allow the Stanly County Sheriff to place armed volunteers in schools. These volunteers will include former law enforcement and military police officers. Volunteers will be […]
ABA Creates Capital Clemency Resource Initiative Clearinghouse
The American Bar Association has created a new web resource devoted to the clemency process in death penalty cases. The resource, called the Capital Clemency Resource Initiative Clearinghouse, is the result of a collaboration between the ABA Death Penalty Representation Project and the Death Penalty Due Process Project. Misty Thomas, chief counsel for the Death Penalty Due […]
The Bail Industry and the Criminalization of Poverty in North Carolina
In theory, debtor’s prisons in the United States have been abolished long ago. In practice, however, the criminalization of poverty is a common problem. North Carolina is no exception. Not only are people often jailed for the inability to pay court fines and fees, but they are often subject to the arbitrary and unnecessary imposition […]
Voting of People with Felony Convictions Sparks Controversy in Alamance County
Twelve individuals with felony convictions are being charged with voter fraud for voting in the general election. Seven individuals have already been charged and five are being tracked down. According to the State Board of Elections, it is a felony “for any person convicted of a crime which excludes the person from the right of suffrage, to […]
Article Highlights Changes Necessary to Prevent Excessive Use of Force in Police Departments
As the topic of police brutality becomes more widely discussed, police departments are taking proactive steps to reduce excessive use of force. In a recent article by the Washington Post, authors examine what it takes to reduce deadly shootings.
U.S. Imprisonment Has Dropped Since 2008 Peak
The U.S Imprisonment rate has dropped 11% since peaking in 2008, according to the Pew Charitable Trust Public Safety Performance Project. This marks the lowest rate since 1997. The decrease has coincided with long-term reductions in crime. Since 2008, combined national and property crime rates have dropped 23 percent. 36 states have experienced this decrease in imprisonment, with declines […]
CJPC Assesses Needs of Returning Citizens as Part of State Reentry Council Collaborative
The State Reentry Council Collaborative was created by the General Assembly to study the needs of individuals with criminal records as they return from correctional institutions. The goal of the council is to improve the effectiveness of local reentry councils. Members of the council include various governmental agencies, faith-based and community-based nonprofits, and local reentry council intermediary […]
Democracy NC Provides Voter Information Cards for Women
Inspired by the 2018 Women’s Marches focused on taking women’s “power to the polls”, Democracy NC has created “Women Vote in 2018” postcards for distribution. The cards feature important information about this year’s justice elections, including elections of sheriffs, judges, and district attorneys in 2018. Postcards should arrive a few days after submission of an order and […]
Judicial Redistricting On Hold…For Now
After what seemed like a special session with no end, the North Carolina General Assembly finally adjourned on February 13, 2018. The good news is that opponents to the proposed judicial redistricting plan were able to stave off a vote that has the potential to drastically change the diversity and make up of the North […]
Charges Dismissed After Prosecutors Hide Evidence
While prosecutors have a large amount of discretion in their work, they are not permitted to hide evidence that could be exculpatory for a defendant. In a recent Colorado case, prosecutors possessed two reports that that pointed to other suspects since the beginning of the case, yet disclosed them 15 months after defendant David Bueno […]
Judge Makes Racist Remark at Law School
Serving as yet another example of the importance of making informed decisions when choosing judges at the ballot box, a judge made an appalling racist statement during a speaking engagement at a law school. While delivering a lecture on mediation and negotiation at the University of Calgary, Justice Kristine Eidsvik told the class that she felt […]
The Fight for Judicial Primaries
The NCGA is trying to take away our right to elect judges. If you are like most people the previous sentence is alarming, but you aren’t quiet sure what it means. CJPC is here to help you make sense of this important issue. What is the law right now related to judicial elections? There will […]
Another NC Jury Rejects the Death Penalty
On Wednesday, a Wake County jury sentenced Donovan Richardson to life in prison for his role in a 2014 double murder. He is one of three men accused in the crime of murdering two elderly men at their home in Fuquay Varina. One of the other men pleaded guilty and will serve life in prison, and […]