After reviewing docket data from the Philadelphia courts that revealed the continued use of cash bail during the COVID-19 pandemic, the ACLU of Pennsylvania sent a letter to the First Judicial District today, urging the immediate end to the use of cash bail during the ongoing public health crisis.

Three criminal legal reform advocacy groups sent a letter today urging Governor Wolf to take all executive actions within his legal authority to release as many people from Pennsylvania’s state prisons as possible, as part of the commonwealth’s response to limiting the spread of the coronavirus.

Today, Montgomery County Commissioners announced the termination of the county’s top two public defenders, Chief Dean Beer and Deputy Chief Keisha Hudson. Their positions were immediately filled by Carol Sweeney and Greg Nestor, who were named co-chief deputy public defenders.

HARRISBURG — Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania filed its latest briefings asking the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to enforce the rules for the use of cash bail in Philadelphia’s court system. 

HARRISBURG — In response to a vote today in the state House Judiciary Committee, the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania announced that it has dropped its support for legislation to reform the commonwealth’s probation system.

HARRISBURG - The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania today reaffirmed the right of a person charged with a criminal offense to not incriminate themselves.

HARRISBURG – The Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania today issued an order to postpone the tabulation and certification of the vote tally of the Marsy’s Law ballot question until a court challenge is resolved.