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A man wearing blue pants and a white T-shirt dangles from and holds onto the threads of an American flag against a city skyline.
Life Inside July 4
What, to the American Incarcerated Person, Is Your Fourth of July?
In the spirit of Frederick Douglass’ historic speech, 20 currently and formerly incarcerated Americans explain what Independence Day means to them.
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Due to school closures and stay-at-home orders, there have been fewer “eyes on children” to report on abuse happening to kids.
Coronavirus June 15, 2020
Is Child Abuse Really Rising During The Pandemic?
Amid speculation of a spike in abuse, advocates worry that families of color will be policed even more.
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A mother with her son in South Carolina in January. He was taken from her and placed in foster care only to be returned weeks later.
Feature February 11, 2020
The Hidden Trauma of “Short Stays” in Foster Care
Every year, thousands of children are removed from their homes by officials who fear for their safety—only to be returned within days. It “felt like being kidnapped,” one said.
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A bail bond agency on Baxter Street in New York City.
News March 14, 2019
New York City’s Bail Success Story
Judges have drastically cut back on bail and jail in criminal cases, a new study shows. And defendants are still showing up in court.
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Scott Levy, of the Bronx Defenders, with a client who was to be arraigned in 2012 at the Bronx County Hall of Justice in New York after an arrest for marijuana possession.
News November 12, 2018
The Courts See a Crime. These Lawyers See a Whole Life.
Pairing old-school defense with attention to real-life problems gets people out of jail.
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Commentary March 6, 2016
The First Time Texas Killed One of My Clients
An attorney pieces together a life cut short.
By Burke M. Butler
Justice Lab November 3, 2015
Why It’s Hard to Be a Poor Boy With Richer Neighbors
And why it can lead to criminal behavior.
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What You're Saying July 31, 2015
‘When She Objected to Putting Out Her Cigarette ... She Was Saying, Leave Me Alone.’
A selection of recent letters from our readers.
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News April 16, 2015
Can You Go to Jail for Not Paying Rent?
Only in Arkansas. And a stealthy campaign is changing that.
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Justice Lab March 12, 2015
Where the Shots are Fired
A new study points to a strategy for reducing police shootings in towns like Ferguson.
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