Criminal Justice and Drug Policy Reform
The ACLU of Southern California is committed to helping re-envision a criminal justice approach that is fair and free of racial bias, keeps communities safe and respects the dignity and rights of all who come into contact with it.
The ACLU SoCal strives to end overcriminalization; ensure fair and constitutionally sound treatment of all people; remove barriers to reentry; and increase government transparency and accountability.
The ACLU SoCal works with community and organizational partners to reform California’s community safety approaches to end harsh policies that result in mass incarceration; achieve effective community-based solutions and opportunities; implement sensible and proportionate interventions; and prioritize rehabilitation and transformative justice over punishment.
What you need to know
- 3,278At least 3,278 people were serving life sentences without parole for drug, property, and other nonviolent crimes in 2012.
- 2.3 million2.3 million people are incarcerated in the U.S.—triple the number of prisoners we had in 1987.
- $80 billionThe U.S. spends over $80 billion on incarceration each year.
Vote Like Your Rights Depend On It
May 9, 2018Elect Your Sheriff
April 14, 2018
Meet Your District Attorney
September 16, 2017
Mitchell v. Jeffries
January 29, 2018ACLU/Preven v. County of Los Angeles
October 31, 2013
Vasquez v. Rackauckas
April 19, 2005
Repeal Sentence Enhancement for Prior 1 Year Convictions (SB 136)
September 11, 2019Eliminating Copays in Prison (AB 45)
September 11, 2019California Act to Save Lives (AB 392)
August 31, 2019
Free the Vote for Californians on Parole (ACA 6)
August 1, 2019Stop Criminalizing Adolescent Behavior (AB 901)
July 26, 2019Families Over Fees (SB 144)
May 23, 2019
The Latest
Advocates Celebrate Governor Newsom's Signature on SB 136,...
October 9, 2019Amendment to Give Parolees the Right to Vote Passes CA Assembly
September 5, 2019California Families Celebrate as Governor Signs One of the...
August 19, 2019
Our Democracy Needs Everyone, Including People on Parole
August 16, 2019Rally in Support of County Lawsuit Against Sheriff Villanueva
August 15, 2019
Open Letter: Jackie Lacey Must Stop Relying on Law Enforcement...
July 22, 2019