News & Commentary

I have this thing about myths. I like to know the difference between Reality and, well, Not-Reality. I spend a lot of time on Snopes.com, I avoid Fox News, my grandfather was even one of those guys who went on an expedition looking for Noah’s Ark (seriously). So I’m pleased to say that the myth of California’s death penalty is widely being exposed, as more and more people realize that a functional and efficient death penalty system belongs firmly in the Not-Reality Column.

ACLU lauds decision as major victory for equality

The following statement is attributed to Mark Rosenbaum and David Sapp of the ACLU of Southern California, Harvard Law Professor Laurence Tribe, Arnold & Porter LLP, Inner City Law Center, Gary Blasi, a UCLA Law Professor and Massey & Gail LLP

New data in a study to be released next week on California’s death penalty has revealed that the price tag for death is even higher than we thought: $4 billion since 1978.

Administration’s acknowledgement of severe S-Comm flaws highlights need for Moratorium and TRUST Act

The ACLU of Southern California joined advocates and community members at a rally at the Governor’s downtown Los Angeles office today urging California legislators to pass a fair and humane budget that includes crucial revenue solutions. On the constitutional deadline to pass the state budget, ACLU/SC Executive Director Hector Villagra called on legislators to “stand strong and support Californians by voting for a budget with revenue solutions that respect human life and dignity.” One important revenue solution includes passing safe and sensible sentencing reforms that save California money.

Los Angeles — The American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California announced that a federal court in Los Angeles ordered the Department of Homeland Security to find legal representation – whether paid or pro bono – for a man suffering from a serious mental illness held in immigration detention.  The court’s order, which was unsealed today, defined the procedures that the government must follow to protect the rights of immigrants with severe mental disabilities held in detention.