California

News November 20

The Jerry Brown Way of Pardoning

Former inmates facing deportation place their hope in California's outgoing governor.

By Abbie VanSickle

News October 18

Nearly a Decade Awaiting Trial, Now Freed

Neko Wilson to be released in the first test of California’s felony murder law.

By Abbie VanSickle

Analysis August 30

So Much for The Great California Bail Celebration

The first state to abolish cash bail. Why are proponents so unhappy?

By Abbie VanSickle

The California Experiment June 27

Can It Be Murder If You Didn’t Kill Anyone?

A distinctly American legal doctrine holds getaway drivers and lookouts as responsible for a death as the actual killer. California is having second thoughts.

By Abbie VanSickle

The California Experiment June 6

California Voters Reject Prosecutor 'Reformers'

Candidates backed by Soros, others are still pressing ahead in other parts of the country.

By Abbie VanSickle and Maurice Chammah

The California Experiment May 10

Whose Fault is Michael Christopher Mejia?

A cop killing in California fuels a reform backlash.

By Abbie VanSickle and Richard Winton

The California Experiment April 23

The Catalyst

Thelton Henderson transformed California’s criminal justice system. Now comes the backlash.

By Abbie VanSickle

News January 7

The Check is in The Mail (For Real)

A California county will issue refunds to parents wrongly billed for their kids’ incarceration.

By Eli Hager

News November 30, 2017

Adolescence with an Ankle Bracelet

What it’s like to spend your teenage years tethered to Big Brother.

Christopher, as told to Eli Hager

News November 21, 2017

43 States Suspend Licenses for Unpaid Court Debt, But That Could Change

Lawsuits say the practice severely penalizes those too poor to pay.

By Beth Schwartzapfel