Under former Mayor Eric Adams, 48 people died in New York City jails or immediately upon release from Department of Correction (DOC) custody. Any death is a tragedy—but 48, which may in fact be an undercount, represents a complete failure of the city to keep incarcerated people safe.Yet there are three reasons for optimism in 2026. First, in Januar ...

Survivor justice legislation would allow courts to consider domestic violence, sexual abuse, child abuse, and human trafficking in sentencing and give incarcerated survivors a chance at resentencing.

Beatrice “Beasy” Taylor called 911 again and again for protection from a violent ex-partner who was threatening to kill her. One night, he returned mere hours after the police had made him leave her home. When he forced his way inside and attacked her, Taylor defended herself with a kitchen knife, stabbing him one time. She was convicted of second- ...

Jails and prisons serve different purposes in the U.S. criminal justice system. Learn who they hold, how they operate, and what they have in common.

Key takeaways:Jails are generally local facilities used for short-term detention and are commonly operated by county or municipal authorities.Jails hold many people awaiting trial or other court proceedings, as well as some people serving shorter sentences.Prisons are generally state or federal facilities for people convicted of crimes and serving ...