News & Commentary

Oct 07, 2021

Connecticut’s first inspector general has a lot to prove

We need a robust Inspector General pursuing police accountability, and the challenges facing this role make clear that local and statewide elected officials also need to do more.

By Claudine Constant

Smart Justice leaders stand in front of the CT capitol. The sun is breaking through a cloud. One person stands with arms upstretched above their head, behind the people not prisons banner
Jun 17, 2021

Here’s What Happened in Connecticut’s 2021 Legislative session

During this session, the ACLU of Connecticut weighed in with testimony on more than 150 bills. We supported and helped pass bills that advance prison reform, civil rights and liberties.

By Claudine Constant, Anderson Curtis, Gus Marks-Hamilton, David McGuire

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Jun 15, 2021

Please Continue to Stand for Clean Slate.

Clean Slate is a good policy that will make our communities safer, will create new economic opportunity and growth, and will help redress the long and enduring legacy of racial injustice in our criminal justice system.

Group photo in front of the capitol after the Clean Slate press conference. A people not prisons sign can be seen.
Jun 14, 2021

Watch NOW: Voting, Clean Slate, Equity in CT: ACLU-CT Legislative Session Wrap-up.

"We'll discuss civil liberties and rights wins this legislative session, what lies ahead, and innovations that made this year different from any other."

Photos of staff. Claudine Fox, David McGuire, Gus Marks-hamilton and Anderson Curtis. Join us June 14th is on the graphic.
May 12, 2021

The Chief State’s Attorney must step up to end mass incarceration

The Chief State's Attorney is up for a reappointment hearing. Here's how he responded to 10 questions from Smart Justice about his views on police accountability, prosecutorial accountability and transparency, decarceration, and racial justice.

By Claudine Constant, Anderson Curtis, Gus Marks-Hamilton

Smart Justice leader Shelby Henderson holds a white sign that says "PEOPLE NOT PRISONS" in blue ink. Behind her is a crowd waving yellow flags and carrying a banner. They are on a street in Hartford, marching.
Apr 26, 2021

Halfway through legislative session, here’s where things stand

Legislative session ends on June 9. As we head into the last weeks of session, the clock is ticking on all of these bills.

By Claudine Constant, Gus Marks-Hamilton, Anderson Curtis

ACLU-CT Smart Justice leader Terri Ricks stands in front of the CT State Capitol Building. She is wearing sunglasses and a rainbow face mask, and she holds a white sign that says, in blue letters, "FREEDOM JUST AHEAD."
Apr 21, 2021

I'm fighting for Clean Slate for my family.

I’m not just fighting for a Clean Slate for myself. I’m fighting for my daughter and all people, the family members and loved ones and communities that have been held down. The barriers associated with a record can have ripple effects for generations.

By Donald Rivers

Smart Justice leader Donald Rivers, in a blue zip up Smart Justice shirt and sunglasses, speaks at a podium during an April 21, 2021 press conference.
Apr 21, 2021

Clean Slate is about basic human rights.

I believe in accountability. When a person has served their time, they deserve a chance to move on with their life. It's the duty of this state to ensure that people will not have to face endless punishment and discrimination.

By Shelby Henderson

Smart Justice leader shelby Henderson, in a blue Smart Justice zip up and mask, speaks at a podium in front of the CT state capitol. Behind her is a blue people not prisons banner held by two other Smart Justice leaders.
Mar 22, 2021

Everyone will be better off if Connecticut ends solitary confinement

The legislature needs to pass S.B. 1059, the PROTECT Act.

ACLU-CT Smart Justice leader Tracie Bernardi stands in front of a yellow Smart Justice "People Not Prisons" poster. She is wearing a blue ACLU of Connecticut Smart Justice zip up sweatshirt, standing, and smiling.