Following the Money of Mass Incarceration 2026
Since 2017, the United States has more than doubled its spending on mass incarceration and criminalization, despite a decline in both incarceration rates and correctional staff. This new Prison Policy …
News
Diversion Without Debt: Case Studies from Three County Prosecutors Leading Fee Reform
Diversion programs offer an early off-ramp from the criminal legal system, providing accountability while reducing recidivism and enhancing public safety. However, the imposition of diversion program costs and fees undermines …
Ellinburg v. United States
Issue Whether restitution under the Mandatory Victims Restitution Act (MVRA) is legally a criminal punishment. Holding Restitution under the MVRA is plainly criminal punishment for purposes of the Ex Post …
State of Iowa v. Pagliai
Issue Whether the parties in a criminal case can, by plea agreement, confer on the district court the authority to order defense counsel reimbursement fees in a dismissed case. Holding …
People v. Kopp
Issue Whether Due Process and Equal Protection forbid a court from ordering payment of any financial obligation without first finding a defendant has an ability to pay. Holding A challenge …
Honest History: How Fines and Fees Came to Harm Black Communities in Virginia
This article takes a look at the history of Virginia’s criminal legal system and the racist laws and policies that resulted in unfair treatment and harmful outcomes for Black Virginians. …
San Diego Is Owed More Than $260 Million In Delinquent Parking Tickets And Other Debts. Will It Ever Collect Them?
Though fines are intended to deter unwanted behaviors, many cities use them as a revenue source. For the first time in over 20 years, San Diego raised its parking citation …
Alternative Funding for Trial Courts: Implementation Recommendations
Under the direction of Public Act 47, the Michigan’s State Court Administrative Office set out to implement the Trial Court Funding Commission’s recommendations for addressing barriers to fair and effective …
How Cities are Rethinking Fines and Fees to Strengthen Residents’ Economic Stability
Cities across the country have a duty to their residents to promote economic mobility. The National League of Cities launched the Cities Addressing Fines and Fees Equitably Initiative (CAFFE) to …
Heavy Burdens: The Weight of Juvenile Fees and Fines in the Keystone State
In Pennsylvania, youth involved in the juvenile justice system courts and their families may be held financially liable for costs related to formal adjustments, summons, warrants, and the cost of …