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tag | criminal justice reform

September 30, 2024 | 10:26 AM

Appeals stretch 4 decades for a prisoner convicted on little police evidence

The four men who put Steve Szarewicz away for murder all changed their stories at one time or another, yet Szarewicz still sits behind bars. That’s where he has been for almost 43 years.

By Mark Scolforo/The Associated Press
Updated: June 13, 2024 | 5:36 pm

ACLU sues Pennsylvania, demands more resources for public defenders statewide

By Oliver Morrison/WESA
May 22, 2024 | 1:24 PM

Pa. lawmakers call for permanent funding, expansion of Scandinavian model of prisons

The approach focuses on rehabilitation over punishment.
By Ben Wasserstein/WITF

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March 26, 2024 | 12:25 PM

Lawmakers from both parties urge votes on juvenile justice reform

By Ben Wasserstein/WITF
December 22, 2023 | 1:18 PM

Pa. lawmakers try again to lower penalties for marijuana possession

The bill has bipartisan support.

By Ben Wasserstein/WITF
December 18, 2023 | 9:22 AM

Meek Mill joins Gov. Shapiro for signing of Pennsylvania probation reform and clean slate legislation

The legislation offers a second chance for citizens caught in the cycle of the criminal justice system.
By Eric Nixon/WHYY
November 21, 2023 | 9:17 AM

A dying man won release from prison after Spotlight PA highlighted his case. It shouldn’t be that hard, advocates say.

Data shows fewer than 50 people were released in the last 14 years under the current compassionate release law.
By Danielle Ohl/Spotlight PA
October 31, 2023 | 4:03 PM

Pa. moves legislation to end death penalty

By Ben Wasserstein/WITF
October 30, 2023 | 9:39 AM

Pa. lawmakers push forward significant juvenile justice reforms

Two years after the Pennsylvania Juvenile Justice Task Force made policy recommendations, there is finally some political will in the state House to move on reforms.
By Kenny Cooper/WHYY
February 17, 2023 | 3:08 PM

One of the deadliest federal prison units is closing

By Christie Thompson, The Marshall Project and Joseph Shapiro/NPR
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