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Criminal Justice

The Bill of Rights protects us against suspicionless searches and seizures. It guarantees due process to individuals who are accused of crimes and humane treatment to those who are incarcerated. The ACLU works to ensure that our criminal justice system indeed is just.
Stop the school to prison pipeline
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Washington Needs Bail Reform:  Download No Money, No Freedom
Driven to Fail: Exposing the costs & ineffectiveness of Washington's most commonly charged crime
The death penalty is arbitrary, unfair, and racially biased.  The ACLU of Washington argued before the Washington Supreme Court to end it.

Resources

News Release, Published: 
Wednesday, January 11, 2023
The Substance Use Recovery Services Advisory Committee (SURSAC) released its plan to the legislature that includes a number of public-health centered recommendations, including decriminalization of drug possession and the creation of a safe supply work group.
Published: 
Thursday, December 22, 2022
When the state Legislature convenes on Jan. 9, lawmakers will have the opportunity to address the racially biased practices and devastating consequences of the failed War on Drugs by replacing a system that stigmatizes and criminalizes people with substance use disorders with one that treats drug use with a public health approach. 
Published: 
Monday, November 7, 2022
Washington legislators should not reignite the War on Drugs in the 2023 session 
Published: 
Friday, August 12, 2022
This rise in mass incarceration is a result of decades of “tough on crime” policies, mandatory minimums and harsh sentencing practices leading to the growth of the prison industrial complex.  
Published: 
Thursday, July 28, 2022
Prosecutors’ choices play a huge role in people’s lives, but many do not understand the enormous power this office has.

Voting Rights Restoration in Washington State

Document, Published: 
Saturday, January 1, 2022
Under Washington law, individuals convicted of felonies that have their right to vote automatically restored as soon as they have completed incarceration and any community custody required by the Department of Corrections. This brochure briefly explains the law and answers frequently asked questions.  

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