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How has Ohio Stepped Up Measures to Combat Sexual Violence?

Christopher Johnston

March 31, 2019 |

Eye On Ohio |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Ohio

Across Ohio, legislators, organizations, and activists have improved prevention and response measures to sexual assault. The state has seen the opening of 14 new rape crisis centers, statewide legislation, increased support for survivors and their families, and the establishment of on-campus programs. Each initiative offers different services, but all seek to shift the culture and provide a more well-rounded approach to sexual assault for Ohio residents.

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Native justice: How tribal values shape Judge Abby's court

Henry Gass

March 27, 2019 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

Multi-Media |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: Yurok Reservation, United States, Klamath, California

Across the country, tribal courts are seeking to break the cycle of recidivism and instead focus their efforts on rehabilitation and community. Judge Abinanti’s Yurok Tribal Court in California applies traditional Yurok values – responsibility, renewal, and restorative justice – in a way that builds compassion and addresses the deep trauma held by the people entering her court.

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Oregon Leading the Nation in Clearing Backlog of Untested Rape Kits with Survivor-Focused Legislature

Ariana Sinclair Ruben Estrada Hannah Kanik

March 20, 2019 |

University of Oregon |

Multi-Media |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Salem, Oregon

As of 2018, Oregon’s backlog of Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) kits had been cleared thanks to the passage of a state bill, commonly referred to as Melissa’s Law. Besides clearing the accumulated kits, the legislation requires police to pick-up the kits from hospitals within seven days of notification and submit SAFE kits for testing within two weeks. Such a response has led to six perpetrators being identified as well as a systemic, patient-driven process for sexual assault survivors.

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North Carolina working to erase biggest rape kit backlog in nation

Kate Martin Imari Scarbrough

March 20, 2019 |

Carolina Public Press |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Fayetteville, North Carolina

With the largest backlog of rape kits in the country, North Carolina is taking steps to expedite the process. A key challenge in this effort is the autonomy of police departments to test them at their own discretion. Still, cities like Fayetteville are making headway and seeing results, namely, 37 arrests. On the state level, a bipartisan bill is in motion that would designate $6 million for testing rape kits.

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New York City's Bail Success Story

Eli Hager

March 14, 2019 |

The Marshall Project |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

Around the country, states like California, New Jersey, and Maryland are implementing legislation that eliminates the cash bail system. While this is one way of addressing that system’s growing unpopularity, New York City has recognized a different approach. By taking advantage of a growing cultural shift in how individuals think about bail, jail time, and criminal justice reform at large, the city has seen an organic decrease in the use of cash bail within courtrooms and judges’ decisions.

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How Tech Helped San Francisco Clear 9,300 Marijuana Convictions

Rachel Kaufman

February 26, 2019 |

Next City |

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Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, San Francisco, California

Using an algorithm designed by Code for America, the city of San Francisco has been able to identify and start the process of expunging almost 10,000 marijuana-related convictions. While the initiative has faced some opposition, the city’s District Attorney asserts that convicted individuals should be given dignity and respect by not have to carry the weight of crime for something that’s no longer illegal.

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How New Orleans police went from ‘most corrupt' to model force

Patrik Jonsson

February 26, 2019 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, New Orleans, Louisiana

The New Orleans Police Department did not have the best reputation among the community due to a series of corrupt acts committed by individual officers on the force. Thanks to a series of outreach efforts to marginalized communities as well as oversight by a federal monitor, NOPD has been able to turn perceptions around over the last five years, garnering the department national attention in how to transition to humanistic policing.

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Justice by the Numbers: Meet the Statistician Trying to Fix Bias in Criminal Justice Algorithms

Katia Savchuk

February 01, 2019 |

Pacific Standard |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, New York

Algorithm-based tools are more frequently being used by courts to determine the risk of an alleged offender so judges can better determine whether the person should be detained or not before trial. Although this methodology has shown promise, there are serious limitations when there is not enough data or biased data. One non-profit is working to change this by reevaluating the limitations and advocating for the release of individuals being unjustly detained.

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Victoria judge shaped mental health law

Jessica Priest

January 21, 2019 |

The Victoria Advocate |

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Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Victoria, Texas

In Victoria County, Texas, juries were tasked with determining whether or not the person being tried was fit to stand trial, oftentimes wasting taxpayer dollars and delaying treatment for those that need it. To change this, a task force was assembled and together, they created a bill that put the responsibility of determining mental state into the hands of the judge rather than jury members.

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One Way To Deal With Cops Who Lie? Blacklist Them, Some DAs Say

Eli Hager Justin George

January 17, 2019 |

The Marshall Project |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, St. Louis, Missouri

Across the United States, district attorney’s are creating blacklists, or “do not call” lists, of police officers that have allegedly lied, abused their power, or have been corrupted. The purpose is to prevent untrustworthy sources from testifying in court, allowing city prosecutors to build stronger cases. While many police departments and unions have opposed such lists, calling them unfair and subjective, prosecutors and communities have supported their use as a response to police misconduct.

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