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Criminal Justice
Victim advocates in Pa. looking for ways to revive Marsy’s Law after court decision
Although the amendment was struck down by the courts, questions of how to balance rights for alleged victims and perpetrators of crimes could resurface.
3 years ago
After pushback, a widely criticized mandatory minimum bill is on hold
Supporters see it as a way to combat Philadelphia’s soaring gun violence epidemic. The ACLU says it “may be the worst criminal justice bill that we’ve seen.”
3 years ago
Delco makes police a resource for those seeking addiction treatment
Delaware County is the 8th in the state to join a program launched in Western Pa. by AG Shapiro in 2018. It’s the first county to do so in the Philly suburbs.
3 years ago
‘Sophie’s choice’ for immigrant families in Pa: separate or remain in custody indefinitely
Families in U.S. immigration custody were presented with an either/or this week: agree to be detained indefinitely, or let your child leave without you.
4 years ago
PA Post investigation prompts legal action at Pa. jails
PA Post's investigation on commissary items is the basis for a nonprofit’s legal claim advocating for prisoners’ rights.
5 years ago
Year after year, according to the reports, troopers were roughly two to three times more likely to search black or Hispanic drivers than white drivers.
5 years ago
‘Shocking and depraved:’ Alleged members of Berks County sex trafficking ring indicted
Thirteen alleged members of the “Sevens” gang have been charged with crimes including kidnapping, sex trafficking, child pornography and murder.
5 years ago
Pa. moves to close another prison as incarceration rates drop
Crime in Pa. has been on the decline for two decades, and changing attitudes towards incarceration have dramatically lowered the state prison population.
5 years ago
Delco DA agrees to release lifer after reviving old charges to keep him jailed
A man is now free despite decades-old shoplifting charges that threatened to keep him in prison even after he received a rare commutation.
5 years ago
Pa. task force urges end to public grand jury reports
Members of a Pa. Supreme Court-appointed task force say grand jury reports raise “considerable due process concerns.”
5 years ago
Rural, urban Pennsylvanians join together to address criminal justice reform
People from Adams and Philadelphia counties are hoping their shared views on the criminal justice system can make a difference.
5 years ago
Supporters of arming teachers in classrooms claim victory in board election
The school board election in Tamaqua was framed as a referendum on its controversial gun policy, which would be a first in the state.
5 years ago
Amid criticism, Pa. law enforcement confiscated $15 million in property in FY 18
This controversial legal mechanism allows police departments and district attorney offices to profit from property seized during arrests, even if a suspect is never convicted
5 years ago
A chance of freedom? New bill could release 1,000 people sentenced to life in Pa. prisons
Under the bill, people convicted of first-degree murder — intentionally killing another person — would be eligible for parole after serving 35 years.
5 years ago
Listen 5:14Historic Pa. law to automatically seal millions of criminal charges starting Friday
Starting Friday, 40 million criminal charges in Pa. will be eligible for automatic sealing, potentially giving thousands of residents a second chance.
5 years ago
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