News & Commentary

Democracy depends in part on the government being transparent, especially about life and death issues. But right now, there isn’t much transparency when police kill, hurt, or chase someone. Right now, Connecticut lawmakers are considered a bill that could help to change that.

I’ve often heard people say “don’t do the crime if you can’t do the time.” What people fail to realize is that “the time” never really ends.

As a justice-impacted person, I know Connecticut needs fair housing practices that allow people living with a criminal record to have a fair chance at finding a place to live. As a former landlord, I also know that someone’s record doesn’t tell you whether they will be a safe, responsible tenant.

The Connecticut General Assembly’s 2019 legislative session began on January 9, and the ACLU of Connecticut is pushing for the legislature to pass bills to advance smarter justice policies, immigrants’ rights, police transparency, and more. Here are just some of the issues we’ll be working on.

On January 19, 2019, ACLU Smart Justice Connecticut leader Tracie Bernardi stepped up to the podium at the Hartford Women's March. Here is what she told the crowd.

On January 17, 2019, leaders with the ACLU of Connecticut's Smart Justice campaign were joined by elected leaders in announcing two 2019 legislative priorities for criminal justice reform.

In Governor Lamont’s first State of the State speech, he declared: “This is our chance to reinvent Connecticut.” When it comes to reforming the state’s criminal justice system, Smart Justice will be pushing Governor Lamont to be true to his word and for the legislature to do its part, too.

Governor-elect Ned Lamont's criminal justice policy committee released a strong roadmap to move our state in a safer, fairer, and freer direction during the first 100 days of 2019. Smart Justice is ready to make sure Governor-elect Lamont follows through on his criminal justice reform promises.

Connecticut voters want our state to realize its potential to end mass incarceration and eliminate racial disparities in the justice system. Smart Justice is ready to make sure Connecticut’s new governor-elect and legislature prioritize smart justice policies in their first 100 days and beyond.