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
Eliminating Copays in Prison (AB 45)
January 23, 2019
The Latest
ACLU of California Statement on Qualification of Referendum to...
January 17, 2019Settlement Requires L.A. Superior Court to Consider Drivers'...
October 8, 2018ACLU of California Statement: Governor Brown Signs Bail Reform...
August 28, 2018ACLU of California Changes Position to Oppose Bail Reform Legislation
August 20, 2018ACLU of California Statement on Changes to Bail Reform Legislation
August 16, 2018Families Separated and Detained: Tip of the Iceberg
July 12, 2018Running for Elected Prosecutor Will Never Be the Same
June 6, 2018Court Issues Historic Ruling Against Gang Injunctions in L.A.
March 15, 2018