Nearly half the people in the world barred from voting due to criminal history live in the United States. To champion democracy over authoritarianism, we must address this injustice.
The Public Purpose
The Graduate Journal of American University's School of Public Affairs
Incarceration
The Unknown Family Separation Policy: Parental Rights and Child Custody During Incarceration
Preserving family bonds should be of the utmost importance to domestic lawmakers, organizers, parents, and the international community. Above all else, the termination of child custody during parental incarceration must not be permanent and irreversible.
The Racialization of Innocence on Death Row
Innocence on death row is perpetuated by racism, bias, and the presumption of guilt. Policymakers must confront these disparities and abolish the death penalty.
The People’s Response Act: Can We Reimagine Public Safety?
Most Americans do not expect the criminal justice system to prevent crime and ensure a fair administration of justice. If we want to build safer communities and trust in our justice system, the People’s Response Act offers a way forward.
COVID-19 Exposes Inhumanity in the Social Justice System
Governments have neglected to restrict the spread of COVID-19 in jails, prompting rising infections and COVID-19 deaths among detained populations.
Private Prisons: Profiting From Families, Controlling Inmates’ Fates
The population of private prisons doubled between 2000 and 2010, and the industry has also become the largest novelty lobbying group.
A Glance at America’s Incarceration Problem: Culprits, Costs and Responses
Mass incarceration wastes billions of dollars, breaks families apart, perpetuates poverty, and entrenches institutionalized racism.
It’s Time to End Felon Disenfranchisement
States disenfranchise 5.8 million Americans, or about 2.5% of the total voting-age population, as a result of their involvement in the criminal justice system.