Solitary confinement

Melania Brown, sister of Layleen Polanco, a trans woman who died in an isolated cell in Rikers Island jail complex, and Akeem Browder, brother of Kalief Browder, who was incarcerated in Rikers as a juvenile and died by suicide following his release, during a march to demand the end of solitary confinement in New York, Monday, June 7, 2021.

How Solitary Confinement Is Used as a Weapon Against Trans People How Solitary Confinement Is Used as a Weapon Against Trans People

Incarcerated trans people say they are put into solitary confinement at highly disproportionate rates—including after being sexually assaulted.

Jul 20, 2023 / Riley Roliff

People gathered at City Hall in October 2022 for a rally to protest deaths in New York City's Rikers Island jail complex.

Maryland’s Solitary Confinement Reform Bill Stalls in the Democratic State Legislature Maryland’s Solitary Confinement Reform Bill Stalls in the Democratic State Legislature

Lawmakers “had the opportunity to do something that would have made a huge systemic change and put the state on the right path—and they didn’t,” said the bill’s author.

May 25, 2023 / Victoria Law

A prisoner is shackled while attending a class for mental health in the Short-Term Restricted Housing Unit at California State Prison, Sacramento.

The New York Law Everyone Is Watching The New York Law Everyone Is Watching

The HALT Act was passed to end long-term solitary confinement. Enforcing it is a whole new struggle.

May 4, 2023 / Victoria Law

These Labor Unions Are Fighting to Keep Solitary Confinement

These Labor Unions Are Fighting to Keep Solitary Confinement These Labor Unions Are Fighting to Keep Solitary Confinement

A corrections officers’ union in New York is campaigning against new restrictions on solitary confinement—and it’s not the only union in the country opposing prison reforms.

Aug 16, 2022 / Victoria Law

Epstein-mugshot

The Vast Conspiracy Behind Jeffrey Epstein’s Death The Vast Conspiracy Behind Jeffrey Epstein’s Death

No, Epstein was not killed by a cabal of powerful men who wanted to silence him. But his death was part of a larger plot: the US prison system.

Aug 20, 2019 / Elie Mystal

Prison library

Shining a Light on Life Behind Bars Shining a Light on Life Behind Bars

In letters compiled by the American Prison Writing Archive, inmates share accounts of suicide, friendship, and solitary confinement.

Nov 12, 2018 / Ella Fassler

Inside a Security Housing Unit

‘As Long As Solitary Exists, They Will Find a Way to Use It’ ‘As Long As Solitary Exists, They Will Find a Way to Use It’

Five years after he helped launch the largest-ever prison hunger strike, Todd Ashker is back in isolation. And he’s not the only one.

Jul 13, 2018 / Victoria Law

Immigrants Are Dying In Detention While ICE Ignores Its Own Medical Standards

Immigrants Are Dying In Detention While ICE Ignores Its Own Medical Standards Immigrants Are Dying In Detention While ICE Ignores Its Own Medical Standards

A new report demonstrates how medical negligence played a significant role in many detention center deaths.

Apr 25, 2016 / Raul Grijalva

A solitary confinement cell

How a Former Black Panther Could Change the Rules of Solitary Confinement How a Former Black Panther Could Change the Rules of Solitary Confinement

The case of Russell Maroon Shoatz, who spent nearly 30 years in solitary confinement, could set a precedent for others held in prolonged isolation.

Feb 22, 2016 / Victoria Law

I Went to Prison at Age 60. Here’s What I Learned.

I Went to Prison at Age 60. Here’s What I Learned. I Went to Prison at Age 60. Here’s What I Learned.

Don’t overlook the needs of the elderly in criminal-justice reform.

Oct 19, 2015 / Evie Litwok

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