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Activists wanted Biden to revamp the justice system. Many say they’re still waiting
By: Carrie Johnson | NPR
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WASHINGTON, D.C. (NPR) — People working to overhaul the criminal justice system say they’re frustrated with the Biden administration after they’ve waited nearly a year for the White House to take major steps on clemency and sentencing reform. “I think we’re at a point where we’re saying mere lip service isn’t enough,” said Sakira Cook,… Read More
Advocates Remain Hopeful Ohio Will Abolish The Death Penalty
By: Andy Chow | Statehouse News Bureau
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (Statehouse News Bureau) –– Ohio lawmakers are back in session with a list of bills to consider, including measures that would abolish the death penalty in the state. Anti-execution advocates say they’re getting closer and closer to accomplishing their goal. There are bipartisan bills in the Ohio House and Senate to end the… Read More
For Ohioans Who Committed Crimes Before July 1996, Chance Of Parole Is Slim
By: Matt Richmond | WCPN
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MANSFIELD, Ohio (WCPN) — Charles Crawford is 70 years old. In 1988 he was sentenced to a prison term of 12 to 80 years. “They’re not going to let me go. I don’t feel that they are,” said Crawford, on the phone from Mansfield Correctional Institution. Sindrick Tucker is 59. Back in 1984 he was… Read More
A Year In Review: After Countless Cries For Racial Justice, Where Are We Now?
By: Sara Crawford | Maria McGinnis | The Collaborative News Lab @ Kent State University, Sarah Taylor | WKSU
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KENT, Ohio (WKSU) — Last year, streets throughout the U.S. were full of people protesting racial injustices that have tormented the country for years, demanding real change. Since then, task forces, declarations, criminal charges and acts of solidarity have been the result. Despite the efforts of government officials and protesters, the question, “Has anything changed?”… Read More
Paying The Price, For A Lifetime? Collateral Sanctions Create Roadblocks For Formerly Convicted Ohioans
By: Foluke Omosun | WKSU
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AKRON, Ohio (WKSU) — More than two decades ago, Perry Clark’s substance use led him down a dark path that resulted in a felony conviction for aggravated robbery. He was luckier than many; he had support when he returned home from prison. “I came home, and by the blessing of God I had my mom… Read More
Is There Finally Some Agreement On The Need For Bail Reform In Ohio?
By: Foluki Omosun | WKSU
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WKSU) — In the early 1980s, Robin Turner got caught up in the world of drugs. She was arrested and incarcerated pending trial until her brother helped her post bond. “I lost my housing. I had to pack up and move and move back in with my mom,” she said. Today, she is… Read More
Appalachian Community Uses Theater To Reckon With Racism, COVID, And The Trauma Of 2020
By: Katie Myers | Curtis Tate | Ohio Valley ReSource
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HARLAN COUNTY, Ky. (OVR) — George Floyd was murdered by police officer Derek Chauvin in Minneapolis, a cold and faraway place from the vantage point of Harlan County, Kentucky. But the energy of that long, hot summer reached a group of Harlan high schoolers, and soon enough, this small, rural town was in the midst… Read More
Another Effort To Reform Ohio’s Cash Bail System Launched
By: Karen Kasler | Statehouse News Bureau
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (Statehouse News Bureau) — A bipartisan group of lawmakers launched another effort to overhaul the state’s bail system, which has been talked about for years and is backed by conservative and liberal groups. The newly introduced Senate bill doesn’t eliminate cash bail, but caps it at 25% of a person’s monthly net income. Sponsoring Sen. Rob McColley… Read More
ACLU Report Says Reducing Cash Bail Could Save Ohio Millions
By: Associated Press
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A new report from the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio says the state could save as much as $264 million a year by reducing the use of cash bail. The report released Thursday includes an analysis of court and jail data in Athens, Cuyahoga, Franklin and Vinton counties. The report… Read More
Ohio Chief Justice Convenes Wrongful Conviction Task Force
By: Associated Press
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The chief justice of the Ohio Supreme Court is convening a task force to study the process for dealing with wrongful convictions. Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor says the committee will analyze how Ohio and other states review cases after convictions. O’Connor says the Task Force on Conviction Integrity and Postconviction Review… Read More
WATCH: From Marijuana Legalization to Minimum Wage, How State Laws are Changing in 2020
By: PBS Newshour
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Now that 2020 has arrived, scores of new laws are going into effect across the country. From legalization of marijuana and criminal justice reform to raising minimum wage and the cost of electric cars, state legislatures are having a major impact on the nation’s laws. The Hill’s Reid Wilson joins Lisa Desjardins to discuss specific… Read More