Criminal Law Reform
The goal of criminal law reform is to put an end to excessively harsh crime policies that result in mass incarceration and stand in the way of a just and equal society.
We work at the “front end” of the criminal justice system—from policing to sentencing— seeking to end excessively harsh criminal justice policies that result in mass incarceration, over-criminalization, and racial injustice, and stand in the way of a fair and equal society.
By fighting for reforms to police practices, indigent defense systems, disproportionate sentencing, and government abuses of authority in the name of fighting crime, and drug policies which have failed to achieve public safety and health while putting an unprecedented number of people behind bars, the ACLU of Louisiana is working to reverse the tide of overincarceration, protect constitutional rights, eliminate racial disparities, and increase government accountability and transparency.
Current Issues
By the Numbers
- 32% vs 60.8%Black people make up 32% of Louisiana's population but 60.8% of its marijuana arrests.
- 790%The federal prison population has increased by almost 790 percent since 1980.
Ayo v. Dunn, et al
August 7, 2017Esman v. Cannizzaro
May 15, 2017
Yarls v. Bunton (Orleans Public Defenders)
January 31, 2017
The Latest
Louisianans for Prison Alternatives Responds to House Passing...
April 3, 2018ACLU Responds to Attorney General Landry’s Decision Not to Charge...
March 27, 2018
The 2018 Legislative Session Kicked Off Last Week. Here’s What’s At...
March 21, 2018District Attorney Agrees to Turn Over Records on Bogus Subpoenas
December 14, 2017
ACLU of Louisiana Condemns Local Sheriff’s Argument to Keep “Good”...
October 12, 2017Statement on U.S. Supreme Court Declining to Hear Case Challenging...
October 3, 2017
ACLU and SPLC Sue to End Racketeering Scheme that Forced People...
August 7, 2017ACLU of Louisiana Condemns DA’s Appeal of Ruling on False Subpoena...
July 18, 2017