Blog
Attorney General Sessions Issues Memo Reversing Ban on Private Prisons
Weeks into his new role, Attorney General Sessions has started rolling back important positive steps in the criminal justice system put into place during the Obama Administration. In this case, Attorney General Sessions issued a memo rescinding the 6 month old Obama directive to end the use of privately run prisons. According to the New […]
"Citizens Protection Act of 2017" – Limits Pretrial Release for Undocumented Immigrants
The House bill entitled “Citizens Protection Act of 2017” seems to be designed to do anything but protect some of the most vulnerable among us. The bill threatens to withhold funds from sanctuary cities who do not enforce federal immigration laws and makes it difficult for undocumented immigrants to post pretrial bail. The bill would […]
DWI Treatment Court and Driver's License Restoration
A bill introduced by Senators Jim Davis (R-Cherokee) and Terry Van Duyn (D-Buncombe) would give DWI Treatment Court judges one more tool to help make North Carolina roads safer. The idea behind the bill came from a DWI Treatment Court judge who wants to incentivize recovery for DWI defendants. The desired outcome of the bill […]
Mental Health and Criminal Justice Collaboration Grant – Update
As we reported in our last update, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP) Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) is seeking applications for funding for the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program. The purpose of this grant is to help communities create and continue cross-system collaborations for people with mental health […]
Center for Death Penalty Litigation Successfully Argues against the Death Penalty for Buncombe Man
Phillip Davis was resentenced from a death sentence to life without the possibility of parole, reducing the number of active inmates on North Carolina’s death row to 148. We previously reported on Phillip’s hearing here. The final decision was issued last Friday in Buncombe County. Mr. Davis was represented by attorneys from the Center for […]
National Alliance on Mental Illness NC 2017 CIT Conference
Last week, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) held its annual CIT Conference. The conference was designed for law enforcement officers, jail administrators, court personnel, emergency responders, social workers, counselors, and mental health advocates. During the conference attendees heard from criminal justice professionals about how to effectively and humanely deal with the growing number of […]
HK on J March Draws Possible Record Crowd
On Saturday, the North Carolina NAACP held its 11th annual HJonK March in Downtown Raleigh. According to the News and Observer, the agenda included expressing support for the Affordable Care Act amid Republican efforts to repeal the health care law known as Obamacare, as well as opposition to President Donald Trump’s plans to build a […]
Nancy Shakir: A Loss to the Advocacy Community
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Nancy Shakir, a friend to CJPC and a tireless activist for social justice in North Carolina, including educating citizens about the documented racial bias in North Carolina death penalty cases and the Racial Justice Act. Even as she struggled with her health, she NEVER […]
CJPC is Hiring!
CJPC is hiring a new Executive Director. Download and review the job description and share with interested candidates. From Board Chair Dr. George Wilson about the departure of Lao Rubert, Executive Director: Lao Rubert, CJPC’s wonderful and beloved Executive Director has decided to retire from her position in the Spring, 2017. CJPC has been privileged […]
Legislature Reconvenes – New Committee Chairs Appointed
The legislature reconvened on Wednesday and new committee appointments were made. The committees – and committee chairs – that will be particularly important for criminal justice issues are listed below. Take a minute to see if a member from your area is listed as one of the full or subcommittee chairs. You can also click […]
HK on J March Set for Feb 11
Join the NAACP and more than 200 coalition partners in downtown Raleigh for the annual Historic Thousands on Jones St. (HK on J) Moral March. Together we will march for a more fair and just North Carolina. Saturday, Feb. 11, Downtown Raleigh, 2 East South St. This is a great chance to make your voice […]
Judge Denies Relief – Appeals Continue in Racial Justice Act Cases
Judge Erwin Spainhour ruled on Jan. 25th that four prisoners in 2012 who were granted relief based on the Racial Justice Act could no longer use the RJA to appeal their re-sentencing from life to death. Judge Spainhour’s decision will be appealed. The RJA was passed in 2009 and in 2012, Judge Greg Weeks found […]
Re-entry Grants Awarded
In mid-January, the Department of Public Safety awarded Re-entry contracts to four additional “Intermediate Agencies” areas of the state. Five areas are currently funded. The new areas and agencies are: Leading into New Communities – New Hanover Durham County – Durham Family Resource Center South Atlantic – Wake Freedom Life Ministries – McDowell Agencies received […]
Mental Health and Criminal Justice Collaboration Grant
BJA has issued two grant applications: The first, due March 14 is for a Second Chance Act Re-entry Program for Adults with Co-occurring Substance Abuse and Mental Disorders. Applicants must be able to “track participants and gain access to – and report “recidivism data – particularly returns to incarceration.” If you are interested in applying […]
Senate Rules on Gov. Cooper's Cabinet Confirmation – Part 2
After issuing a very general set of Rules in early January that will govern the manner in which the Senate would give advice and consent, Gov. Roy Cooper’s cabinet appointees, President Pro Tem Phil Berger appears to be prepared to provide more specifics about the process. Gov. Cooper’s team has pointed out that there is […]