Truthout
Prisons
Abolition Is About Escaping the Death Trap of “Normalcy”
"We need the resources that the carceral state has stolen from us," says Andrea Ritchie.
Four States Voted to End Slavery — But Not Louisiana. Here’s Why.
The defeat of the ballot amendment underscores the challenges faced by the movement abolish slavery in prisons.
Activists Put Solitary Confinement on Ballot, But Local Elections Board Nixed It
In Pennsylvania, a referendum demonstrates the challenges that ballot initiatives can face from those in power.
Physical Mail Was My Lifeline to the Outside World — and Now It’s Gone
We treasure mementos like physical cards, letters and photos in prison because we have little else.
Being Pregnant in Prison Is a Nightmare That Won’t Be Ended by One Bill Alone
Lawmakers introduced a bill to improve pregnancy care in federal prisons, but advocates warn that may not be enough.
DOJ Opens Investigation After Incarcerated Man Dies From Untreated Cancer
The DOJ's announcement comes after a federal judge condemned the Bureau of Prisons for its role in the man's death.
Building “Feminist Jails” Ignores a Larger Problem
A reformist approach to women’s incarceration places responsibility of reform on the individual, not the institution.
Biden’s Action on Weed Convictions Is a First Step — Let’s Push for Much More
Many have fought for this for a long time, and this is just the first bold step in the right direction.
California Is Dependent on Prison Labor for Fighting Fires. This Must End.
CAL FIRE’s decades-old reliance on prison labor is coming to an end. The state should invest in firefighting jobs.
New York Prisons Are Blatantly Violating State Law Limiting Solitary Confinement
Data released in New York exposes rampant violations of a state law limiting how long people may be held in isolation.