Many issues that are primary drivers of mass incarceration cannot be remedied through government solutions alone. Issues such as broken families and mental health, both forever altered by over criminalization, cannot be simply be repaired through legislation. Civil Society has the unique capability to address certain social issues that government cannot, or to address them more effectively than government can. This section also addresses issues in which over-policing attempts to fix issues that should be handled through the community.
“The Advocate was awarded its first Pulitzer Prize on Monday for reporting on the racial impacts of Louisiana’s unique laws allowing juries to convict defendants without a unanimous verdict. The Advocate’s coverage set the stage for Louisiana’s voters to amend the state constitution, seven months later, to demand unanimous verdicts in criminal cases.“
The Advocate
April 15, 2019
Read More“‘What I did was wrong and I’m deeply sorry for being responsible for the death of another person,” Perkins wrote. ‘I was a kid and I did not know anything about the importance of another person’s life, nor was I a responsible individual. But Sir, I want you to know that I am someone that can be a productive citizen.’”
The Advocate
October 8, 2018
Read More“For eight hours, Goodell listened attentively — sometimes interjecting questions — as defense attorneys and formerly incarcerated people spoke. In the day’s first session, Orleans Parish Chief Public Defender Derwyn Bunton explained the plethora of bail fees and court costs that defendants pay to help support the city's criminal justice system.“
The Advocate
September 11, 2018
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