A look at how bail, fines, and fees in the criminal justice system impact poor communities in New Orleans
The New Orleans criminal justice system, like many other local systems across the country, operates significantly on funding generated from the people cycling through it—from bail and associated fees before trial, to fines and fees levied after conviction. These practices come with hidden costs to defendants—the majority of whom are poor and black— ...
official court transcripts October 1961-June 1962
The Manhattan Bail Project was Vera’s first initiative and showed that many people accused of committing a crime can be relied on to appear in court and do not have to post bail or be held until trial. Read the transcripts from arraignment hearings at which New York City judges considered the recommendations Vera made in the early days of the Manh ...
It can take an incarcerated person weeks of strenuous work to afford even just a stick of deodorant.
You would think that being “property of a state,” where work detail and programs are required, one would be provided with the bare necessities. But upon entry into prison, we are provided with minimal toiletries, like soap, deodorant, and lotion. These items may last during our two-week stay in intake, but once they are gone, we’re on our own. Aft ...