The Vera Justice Institute has published a Report on the European-American Prison Project, which was funded by the Prison Law Office. The Project’s goal was to expose American correctional officials to radically different systems and practices in Germany and the Netherlands, in order to advance an international dialogue around effective corrections and to stimulate reform efforts in the United States.

PRESS RELEASE – Office of Senator Holly J. Mitchell

Sacramento, CA – Today, California Governor Jerry Brown vetoed Senate Bill 1157, which would have protected in-person visitation in California’s county jails, saying in his veto message that although he was concerned about eliminating in-person visitation, the bill didn’t offer enough flexibility.

California voters have passed Proposition 47, which takes effect immediately. Under Proposition 47, thousands of people can petition to have their California theft or drug possession felony convictions reduced to misdemeanors.

June 26, 2017 –   Because of the Arizona Department of Corrections’ continuing failure to meet standards for physical and mental healthcare for prisoners, a federal judge recently ruled that the state faces a $1,000 fine for each prisoner who does not receive care that meets certain benchmarks at some prisons.

“I have just had enough,” said U.S. Magistrate Judge David K. Duncan in a June 14, 2017, hearing where he proclaimed the potential for fines.

Lynn Wu,  has been nominated by Chief Jill Silva of the Stanislaus County Probation Department to receive the Tim Fitzharris Award.

The Tim Fitzharris Award is awarded annually to a non-probation employee who has made a significant contribution to the criminal justice system.  Ms. Wu’s nomination is a result of her contributions she has made in improving services for justice-involved youth over the last few years..