Criminal Justice

A key part of California's Proposition 36 promised to direct people convicted of certain drug crimes to treatment. Some counties are straining to make that happen without new funding.

Instead of pushing harm reduction strategies to reduce drug overdoses, a county district attorney believes a recently approved ballot measure, Proposition 36, strikes the right balance to break the cycles fueling addiction and homelessness.

A person matching Democratic Sen. Susan Rubio’s description is accused in federal court documents of soliciting bribes and illegal campaign contributions. Rubio, who’s not been charged with a crime, denies the allegations, but she’s no longer chair of the Senate Insurance Committee as investigations continue

Two states legalized psychedelic therapies since 2020 and President Biden signed a law supporting studies of how they might help veterans. Proposals like those keep dying in California.

The creation this year of a media center inside the Central California Women’s Facility, which culminated in the launch of the Paper Trail, has finally given a voice to the women who have long been an afterthought in the state's prison system.

A conservative organization led by Trump adviser Stephen Miller sent letters to California leaders warning of 'serious consequences' over sanctuary policies that protect undocumented residents.

Lea esta historia en Español Californians accused of certain drug and retail theft crimes may already be facing stiffer penalties under an initiative voters passed this year, alongside related bills Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law.  Voters this November overwhelmingly approved Proposition 36, which both modifies and adds key changes to California law.   That includes […]

California recorded historically high numbers of deaths in county jails for the past six years. Now, counties expect to house more prisoners as Prop. 36 takes effect.

An aspiring California law student says a fellowship program called Dream Beyond Bars has taught him emotional intelligence and resilience, along with political organizing and advocacy.

California saw a record number of deaths in county jails two years ago. Now, a new state official is holding public meetings to hear from people concerned about safety in the lockups.