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Criminal Justice

The Bill of Rights protects us against suspicionless searches and seizures. It guarantees due process to individuals who are accused of crimes and humane treatment to those who are incarcerated. The ACLU works to ensure that our criminal justice system indeed is just.
Stop the school to prison pipeline
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Washington Needs Bail Reform: Download No Money, No Freedom
Driven to Fail: Exposing the costs & ineffectiveness of Washington's most commonly charged crime
The death penalty is arbitrary, unfair, and racially biased. The ACLU of Washington argued before the Washington Supreme Court to end it.

Resources

When given a second chance, people rise to the occasion: Early release and recidivism in Washington state

Published: 
Monday, December 9, 2024
Early release and recidivism in Washington state 
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ACLU of Washington sues the Seattle City Attorney, alleging misuse of prosecutorial power

News Release, Published: 
Monday, October 28, 2024
The ACLU of Washington filed a lawsuit in King County Superior Court challenging the Seattle City Attorney’s Office’s misuse of prosecutorial power, which results in an elected judge being barred from presiding over the cases she should be adjudicating.  
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We keep us safe: What can happen when we truly invest in community safety

Published: 
Monday, October 21, 2024
Highlights from a panel event on October 8, 2024, and key takeaways about public health and safety.
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ACLU of Washington sues Yakima County for failing to appoint attorneys to indigent people charged with crimes in Yakima County Superior Court

News Release, Published: 
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
County’s inability to appoint attorneys in violation of people’s constitutional rights
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No second chances: How Washington abolished parole and its failure to make communities safer

Published: 
Friday, September 20, 2024
How Washington abolished parole and its failure to make communities safer
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ACLU-WA statement on the City of Seattle’s passage of drug, prostitution ‘stay out’ zones 

News Release, Published: 
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Proposals like SOAP and SODA do not work and cruelly target our most vulnerable populations, including those struggling with poverty and substance use disorder.
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ACLU of Washington sues City of Spokane over anti-camping and sit-and-lie laws, alleging cruel punishment under state constitution

News Release, Published: 
Thursday, August 1, 2024
ACLU of Washington sues City of Spokane over anti-camping and sit-and-lie laws, alleging cruel punishment under state constitution
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Anti-camping laws in Washington state: A closer look

Published: 
Friday, July 12, 2024
Let’s examine what anti-camping laws are, the effects of their enforcement, and discuss alternatives that address the ongoing crisis of homelessness more compassionately and effectively.
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How to Create Lasting Change in Washington

Published: 
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
We are facing real threats to our communities, our freedoms, and our democracy. In this climate, positive change can seem like a fairy tale. It can be when you work alone. But we can make lasting progress when we rely on each other.
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