Criminal Legal System: anti-racism reading and resources

The Basics

The U.S. locks up more people than any other country, and Black and Latino people are imprisoned at far higher rates than white people. Policing, bail, sentencing and prisons all play a part. People across the country are organizing for alternatives that actually keep communities safe.

We’ve covered the criminal legal system for years. Every issue is in our archive. Read past issues >

Three words that come up again and again on this topic. See all of our key terminology >

Mass Incarceration — The U.S. practice of imprisoning people on a scale far beyond other countries.
Cash Bail — A system that keeps people who haven’t been convicted in jail unless they can pay to get out.
Qualified Immunity — A legal rule that protects police and other officials from being sued for violating someone’s constitutional rights.

How the Supreme Court Prevents Police Accountability
Examining the role of qualified immunity and the U.S. judicial system in keeping law enforcement from facing accountability.
Nicole Cardoza Oct 25, 2023
How Plessy v. Ferguson Relates to Today’s Struggles
De facto residential segregation is increasing today, creating segregated hospitals, schools, and transportation systems—the very things permitted by Plessy v. Ferguson.
Andrew Lee May 18, 2023
What "Defunding the Police" Actually Means
Defunding the police allows communities to reinvest in other forms of community support while dismantling a system rooted in racism and white supremacy.
Nicole Cardoza Mar 4, 2022
It's Time To Abolish '60 Days In and Other Incarcerated Reality Shows
The latest genre of TV programming, incarcerated reality, monetizes the continued exploitation of incarcerated people.
Vidal Guzman Nov 21, 2023
Graduated Reentry and the Need for Real Prison Reform
Learn about the Graduated Reentry Program and how prison reform legislation isn’t meaningful without accountability and oversight.
Michael J Moore Sep 25, 2023
Why the Attica Prison Uprising Still Matters Today
The five-day Attica prison uprising was a fight against inhumane conditions and racial and religious injustices, which still resonates today.
Andrew Lee Sep 13, 2023

These groups are led by people of color and work on the criminal legal system every day. Follow them for updates and ways to help.

Equal Justice Initiative Represents people in prison and challenges racial bias in the justice system. Visit their website, and follow @eji_org on Instagram to get updates in your newsfeed.
Essie Justice Group Women with incarcerated loved ones organizing to end mass incarceration. Visit their website, and follow @essie4justice on Instagram to get updates in your newsfeed.
Critical Resistance National grassroots group working to end prisons and policing. Visit their website, and follow @criticalresistance on Instagram to get updates in your newsfeed.

Independent newsrooms that cover the criminal legal system often. Read and donate if you can!

The Marshall Project. Nonprofit newsroom on prisons, policing and the courts. Follow @marshallproj on Instagram.
The Appeal. Nonprofit news on how the criminal legal system harms communities. Follow @appeal_news on Instagram.
Prison Journalism Project. Stories written by incarcerated people about life inside. Follow @prisonjournalism on Instagram.

ps – this is a community-created guide that is updated often. Want to make changes/corrections? Complete this form.