From policing policies to prison practices, the ACLU of Connecticut seeks to reverse the tide of mass incarceration, protect constitutional rights, eliminate racial disparities, and increase government transparency and accountability to make our justice system more fair and equal. We advocate against the government abuses that lead to mass incarceration, the failed war on drugs, and inhumane treatment of prisoners, and for policies to remedy the injustices of the past. The ACLU of Connecticut was at the forefront of the successful efforts to repeal the death penalty in Connecticut, end cash-only bail for people charged with misdemeanors, eliminate over-zealous "drug-free" zones that unneccessarily ensnared people in the criminal justice system, and prevent the government from seizing someone's assets without first convicting them of a crime. We helped to lift up the voices of formerly incarcerated people to push for the Connecticut Fair Chance Employment Act, which "banned the box" on initial job applications, and continue to advocate for the end of solitary confinement and the creation of a second chance society for young people who have made mistakes. Our legal team sought help from the United Nations to stop our state's Department of Corrections from force-feeding a prisoner and secured religious observance rights for inmates at the Danbury Federal Correctional Institution. Criminal justice reform is working in Connecticut. Through advocacy and litigation, the ACLU-CT will continue to challenge unconstitutional laws and policies and forge a new path for equality under the law.
Criminal Justice
Beatty v Lamont
March 14, 2022Clark v Department of Correction
April 30, 2021Disability Rights Connecticut v Department of Correction
February 4, 2021
Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association et al v Lamont and Cook
April 3, 2020Williams v Murphy (amicus brief)
August 13, 2019
HB 6875, An Act Concerning the Issuance of a State Identification Card or Motor Vehicle Operator’s License to a Person Being Discharged from a Correctional Facility
March 21, 2023HB 6889, An Act Concerning Juvenile Matters
March 21, 2023SB 953, An Act Concerning the Definition of Racial Profiling
March 14, 2023
HB 6682, An Act Concerning the Sentence for Murder Committed in the Course of Commission of a Family Violence Crime
March 14, 2023SB 1194, An Act Relieving Certain Registrants of the Requirements of the Sex Offense Registry and Clarifying the Registration Requirements for Persons Transferred Into This State and Who Reside in Congregate Care Settings
March 14, 2023HB 6834, An Act Concerning Serious Firearms Offenses by Repeat Offenders
March 14, 2023
The Latest

SUBMIT TESTIMONY: JUDICIARY HEARING ON STATE'S ATTORNEYS...

Accountability for Prosecutors

Workers support predictable schedules
March 9, 2023
Advocates Call to End Deceptive Police Interrogations of Youth
March 8, 2023
I have helped people gain their right to vote back. Let me tell you...
March 7, 2023
It's time to allow incarcerated individuals to vote.
March 7, 2023
Federal Court: Stamford Woman May Sue State Over Prison Debt Law,...
March 6, 2023
No child should be in prison because police lied to them
March 3, 2023