Criminal Justice
Many of the most serious human rights violations in the US occur in the realm of criminal justice. The criminal justice system—from policing and prosecution through to punishment—is plagued with injustices like racial disparities, excessively harsh sentencing, and drug and immigration policies that improperly emphasize criminalization. As a result, the United States has the largest reported prison population in the world. Specific policies often have a particularly harsh impact on youth, racial minorities or low-income populations accused of or victimized by crime. Jail and prison conditions are in many respects unsafe and inhumane. The US Program investigates such injustices and advocates for reforms to ensure that the US meets its international legal obligations to ensure accountability for serious offenses, while doing so in a fair and non-discriminatory manner.
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United States
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United States
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A Roadmap for Re-imagining Public Safety in the United States
14 Recommendations on Policing, Community Investment, and Accountability
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News
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Groups Urge Members of Congress to Support the MEAL Act
Legislation Would Restore SNAP and TANF Access for Individuals with a Past Felony Drug Conviction
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Justice is Served for George Floyd, but US Police Reform Remains Urgent
New Approaches Needed to Address Ongoing Police Abuse
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Groups Urge US to End Emergency Scheduling of Fentanyl-related Substances
Class-wide Scheduling Would Exacerbate Pretrial Detention, Mass Incarceration and Racial Disparities in the Prison System
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New York State Passes Important Legislation for Justice
Laws Limit Solitary Confinement, Legalize Marijuana
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Controlled Substances: Federal Polices and Enforcement
Written Testimony of Nicole Austin-Hillery Submitted to the US House Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee of Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security
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Letter of Opposition to California Assembly Bill 1542
Human Rights Watch Opposes Yolo County Pilot Program
