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 ...

40 people have died in county jails so far this year, surpassing the rate of the deadliest year on record.

How are people dying? Los Angeles County has not yet publicly issued causes of death for everyone who has died in county jails in recent months. And even once even once autopsy reports are finalized, they don’t tell the whole story. When the coroner rules that a death is the result of “natural causes,” jail conditions can still be to blame. Researc ...

Research shows that incarceration is often harmful and counterproductive. Some alternatives to incarceration can help prevent harm while keeping communities safe.

(Alex Li/Common Justice) When Jane* saw John*—the motorcycle driver who had killed her son—at his trial, she had unresolved questions. But in the courtroom, she felt there were no answers. Instead of pursuing traditional prosecution, Jane, her ex-husband, her surviving son, and John opted to participate in a restorative justice program through the ...