Learn how you can help ensure that the principle of due process endures this crisis
NCSC is tracking the response by state courts for jury trials, courthouse entrance, in-person proceedings, deadline extensions, and use of digital technology.
FAMM is providing multiple resources, particularly focused on the currently incarcerated. Families of incarcerated may request assistance.
The training division for the federal defenders is offering webinars and other resources to aid in the representation of people incarcerated during the crisis.
NACDL is collecting resources to assist
attorneys with clients detained during the COVID-19 crisis.
The Brennan Center is tracking formal policy changes of all federal, immigration, and state courts.
Fair Trials is tracking how criminal justice systems around the world are responding to COVID-19.
NDAA and CNA have partnered during the COVID-19 pandemic to arm prosecutors with effective best practices and targeted resources to keep their communities and those in the criminal justice system safe and secure.
The Marshall Project is tracking how correctional systems are changing visitation policies in response to COVID-19.
PERF is tracking how law enforcement agencies are responding to COVID-19.
Vera and Community Oriented Correctional Heath Services have created a series of fact sheets to guide the responses of actors in the criminal legal system.
The Deason Center is documenting how local criminal justice systems are responding to COVID-19.
NLADA is collecting resources to assist legal aid and defense attorneys in their representation of clients.
The federal defenders have drafted a template for motions to challenge the continued pretrial detention of defendants who are high risk given the CIVD-19 crisis.
Criminal Standing Order of March 22nd, 2020: The D.C. Superior Court has issued an order outlining the criteria judges should consider in evaluating filings requesting the immediate release of defendants on account of COVID-19.
We encourage other courts to do the same.
The New Jersey Supreme Court issued an order late Sunday night that will suspend or commute county jail sentences for low-risk inmates in light of the public health emergency caused by COVID-19. The order commutes or suspends county jail sentences currently being served by county jail inmates either as a condition of probation for an indictable offense or because of a municipal court conviction.
The ACLU of the District of Columbia and the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia have sued the D.C. Department of Corrections for "unconstitutional conditions for all 1,600-plus individuals housed at the jail and its adjacent custodial treatment facility." The suit has received amicus support from the Fraternal Order of Police for the District of Columbia Department of Corrections.
The federal Bureau of Prisons has approved an individual convicted of fraud and tax evasion charges to serve the remainder of his five months sentence in home confinement. He had previously files a motion for release to home confinement in the District Court of New Jersey but asked to suspend this motion upon the BOP's approval.
"With increasingly limited access to public transportation, and the current health risks of using public transportation, it is more critical than ever that people are able to drive themselves and their dependents to work, hospitals, pharmacies, and grocery stores, regardless of their income."
Due Process Institute joined REFORM and a bipartisan group of advocacy organizations to provide early comprehensive recommendations for how governments could help prevent excess harm in light of COVID-19.
In the face of the COVID-19 crisis and the unique public health risk presented in our nation's jails and prisons, Due Process Institute was part of a bipartisan group calling on President Trump to utilize his clemency powers to commute the sentences of populations who are exceptionally vulnerable to the coronavirus.
Jonathan Blanks for Clause 40 Foundation
“The circumstances of American incarceration have changed, full stop. The mercy Justice Kennedy spoke of is needed to prevent the added cruelty this virus can wreak upon the incarcerated.”
"Despite our warnings—and those of Congress, policy groups, and public health and legal experts— the Department of Justice (DOJ) has failed to respond appropriately to this global pandemic. Instead, DOJ’s response rests on its view that that 'many inmates will be safer in BOP facilities.' DOJ has relied on this false premise to oppose release in a wide range of cases...."
TBPDA is collecting resources to assist legal aid and defense attorneys in the representation of their clients.
The Justice Collaborative is providing resources for activists, public officials, and journalists for use in confronting the
COVID-19 virus.
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