criminal justice

A man in a grey suit sits on a chair on a stage in front of a banner that reads “Affordability and Rural California” with an American flag next to it.

Commentary

Sheriff Chad Bianco’s ballot grab is a campaign stunt, not an investigation

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, a Republican running for governor, seized 650,000 ballots cast in 2025, though his deputies aren’t trained vote fraud investigators.

By Bryon Gustafson • April 7, 2026

A group of law enforcement officers in full riot gear stands in front of a crowd at night, illuminated by bright vehicle headlights behind them. The officers wear camouflage uniforms, helmets with visors, gas masks, and carry batons.

Justice

Federal judge: Continued Border Patrol sweeps in California violated court order

A federal judge rules that the Border Patrol again broke the rules in California immigration sweeps, saying agents acted "without considering or complying with law Congress enacted."

By

Wendy Fry

and

Sergio Olmos

• April 2, 2026

A close-up of a person wearing sunglasses as they are surrounded by reporters holding microphones and cameras near the person's face.

Commentary

Allegation that Gavin Newsom presides over an ’empire of fraud’ doesn’t stick

A conservative magazine wrongly labeled as fraud signs of Gov. Newsom's mismanagement. That's not an investigation; it's a campaign ploy.

By

Dan Walters

• April 2, 2026

An inmate at San Quentin State Prison on March 17, 2023. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

Reader Reactions

California’s elderly parole program saves money and makes sense

Less than 2% of elderly parolees reoffend. Those with sex offenses must register and often get treatment and wear a monitor.

By Keith Wattley • March 9, 2026

A law enforcement officer uses a metal chain to detain a person in handcuffs. The person is facing away from the camera while standing near a truck and other law enforcement officers.

Commentary

ICE surge in Minneapolis parallels California gang database debacle

ICE agents arrest people based on looks or skin color, as police in California did years ago when databases falsely listed many as gang members.

By George Galvis • March 9, 2026

A person rides a bicycle past a protest encampment with tents and tarps set up beneath autumn-colored trees. A large banner reading “Sit-in to Stop Genocide” and a Palestinian flag hang above the tents, with handmade signs and chairs scattered around the area.

Commentary

Free speech or conspiracy? Courts limit protesters’ First Amendment rights

Prosecutors are charging protesters with conspiracy, seeking to limit opposition to government policies. More courts are allowing it.

By Bobbie Stein • March 6, 2026

A mental health staff member speaks with an inmate through their cell door in an inmate housing unit at the Tulare County Adult Pre-Trial Facility on Sept. 18, 2023. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Commentary

New California law will stop sheriffs from medically examining deaths in their own jails

Many jail deaths are preventable. To reduce bias and coverups, independent doctors will investigate deaths in custody, starting in 2027.

By Gregg Hart • March 4, 2026

The back of an incarcerated individual with their hands placed behind them. The individual wears a jean sweater with the words "CDC Prisoner" on it.

Commentary

Reform that re-traumatizes: California’s elderly parole program burdens victims, frightens the community

Under elderly parole, inmates 50 or older who served 20 years or more could be eligible for a parole hearing — regardless of how violent their crime was.

By Jenn Carson • March 2, 2026

Four people face an audience as they sit on chairs set up on a stage inside an auditorium with mahogany walls. A projector set up behind the four speakers displays a graphic titled "The Evolution of Crime and Punishment in California: What's Next?."

Justice

Newsom changed California prisons. What will the justice system look like after he leaves?

Gov. Gavin Newsom pushed California's prison system to embrace rehabilitation for incarcerated people. Will it be a lasting shift?

By

Adam Ashton

• February 26, 2026

Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at San Quentin State Prison announcing that the facility will be transformed to focus on training and rehabilitation on March 17, 2023. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

Justice

Where death chamber once stood, Newsom shows off prison remodel emphasizing rehabilitation

Gov. Gavin Newsom suspended the death penalty and ordered the dismantling of death row. He unveiled changes at San Quentin that include a new education center.

By

Cayla Mihalovich

• February 20, 2026

Criminal Justice