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A group of more than 30 protestors walk through Cleveland’s downtown, holding posters advocating for bail reform and better conditions at the county jail.
Testify September 11
Six Years of Bail Reform in Cuyahoga County: A Timeline
How public pressure, inhumane jail conditions, and informal agreements reshaped the Cuyahoga County bail system.
By Rachel Dissell and Ilica Mahajan
An illustration shows the back of a Black man looking up at a tall building, the Cuyahoga County Justice Center. In front of the building is a panel of three portraits, representing a roulette of judges.
Testify September 11
Cuyahoga County Judges Vowed to Reform the Bail System. Here’s What Happened.
Court officials informally changed their bail-setting practices for felony cases. Now, fewer people have to pay to get out of jail, a Marshall Project analysis shows.
By Ilica Mahajan and Rachel Dissell
A White, blonde woman stands in a black robe behind a judge’s podium.
Cleveland August 22
Judge Celebrezze Removed From Controversial Cuyahoga County Divorce Case
Chief Justice Sharon Kennedy found judge violated court rules when taking a case involving her longtime friend
By Mark Puente
A black and gold plaque reads: “Judge Leslie Ann Celebrezze.”
Cleveland July 24
Cuyahoga Judge May Be the Only One Using Receivers, Costing Divorcing Couples Thousands
More ethics questions circle Leslie Celebrezze, as fellow judges say they never use receivers. Meanwhile, she gave her friend nearly $500,000 in work.
By Mark Puente
Testify June 28
The Basics of Bail in Ohio
How do people get out of jail while they’re accused of a crime?
By Rachel Dissell, Ilica Mahajan and David Eads
Eight cropped book covers with shadows behind them appear in a grid against a cream-colored background: “The Egyptian Book of the Dead,” “The Hellbound Heart,” “Captive Nation,” “Black on Black Violence,” “Violence: Reflections on a National Epidemic” and “Effective Java.” The center of the grid shows an image of a tool displaying which books are banned in Ohio prisons.
Cleveland June 20
Ohio Prison System Bans Java Computer Manual, But Allows Hitler’s Mein Kampf
Incarcerated people are baffled by the state’s book screening process.
By The Marshall Project
A White, blonde woman stands in a black robe behind a judge’s podium.
Cleveland June 15
New Bias Complaints Continue to Target Top Cuyahoga County Judge
Already temporarily removed from a divorce case, Judge Leslie Ann Celebrezze is slated to answer new allegations by June 22.
By Mark Puente
A poster of a Black barber adjusting the head of a Black boy, wearing a cape while he sits on a chair.
Cleveland June 5
Don’t ‘Punish Them More.’ Effort Grows to Ease Job Barriers After Prison Release
Nearly 2,000 formerly incarcerated people return to Cleveland each year with few job prospects. Some lawmakers want to change that.
By Stan Donaldson Jr.
A black and gold plaque reads: “Judge Leslie Ann Celebrezze”.
Cleveland June 1
A Judge, a Kiss, and $450,000-plus in Court Work
An Ohio divorce court judge is barred from a case, pending a conflict hearing.
By Mark Puente
A photo of the Cuyahoga County Justice Center building is overlayed with the underlined word, "Testify".
Testify March 23
What Are the ‘Exit Ramps’ From Incarceration in Cuyahoga County?
Help us report on how well the courts provide people charged with low-level felonies a second chance.
By Alexandra Arriaga
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