Criminal Legal Reform

blind justice

America’s criminal justice system should keep communities safe, treat people fairly, and use fiscal resources wisely. ACLU-TN advocates for a criminal justice system that fosters public safety by reducing mass incarceration and ensuring police accountability. We work to ensure that constitutional protections are afforded to everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity or income. We also confront discriminatory or unfair police practices and challenge the broken death penalty system.

The Latest

Press Release
A red and grayscale collage of a mouth, megaphone, and protest sign, all symbolically representing free speech.

New Filings Detail Disturbing Accounts of Federal Agents Retaliating Against Memphis Residents

Residents describe being surveilled at home, pulled over under false pretenses, boxed in with vehicles, and jailed in retaliation for observing and documenting Memphis Safe Task Force activity
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform, Free Speech & Censorship, Police Accountability, Privacy, Surveillance and Technology
Press Release
Headshot of man with a long beard in sunglasses and a hat.

Statement on Tennessee’s Torturous Execution Attempt of Tony Carruthers

ACLU comments on the state of Tennessee's botched and torturous attempt to execute Tony Carruthers
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform, Racial Justice
Court Cases: Tony Von Carruthers v. State of Tennessee
Press Release
A red and grayscale collage of a mouth, megaphone, and protest sign, all symbolically representing free speech.

ACLU-TN Receives a Response from the City of Memphis to Formal Demand Letter

Issue Areas: Privacy, Surveillance and Technology, Police Accountability, Criminal Legal Reform, Free Speech & Censorship
Press Release
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ACLU-TN Urges Independent Legal Monitor to Investigate the Memphis Police Department’s Conduct at the No Kings Rally

From the DOJ Report to the No Kings Rally — MPD’s Pattern of Conduct Demands Answers 
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform, Democracy & Voting, Privacy, Surveillance and Technology, Police Accountability, Free Speech & Censorship
Court Cases: No Kings Memphis and the Kendrick Consent Decree
Legislation
Jan 30, 2024

Wealth-Based Detention Bill

HB 1719 seeks to eliminate the consideration of a defendant's financial status when determining bail amounts. Freedom for the wealthy and punishment for poor people of all races — violates the Constitution and disproportionately impacts Black people and people with disabilities.
Status: Signed by governor
Position: Oppose
Legislation
Jan 22, 2024

Citizen's Arrest Bill

HB 0994/SB 0908 would expand the citizen's arrest law and allow individuals to threaten deadly force merely if the individual feels “threatened,” resulting in a greater threat to life and property and raising serious civil liberties concerns.
Position: Oppose
Legislation
Aug 24, 2023

Blended Sentencing & Juvenile Transfers Bill

SB 7027/HB 7073 is very complex and could have serious, life-altering consequences, both intended and unintended, for young people. This bill will lead to more young adults in prison for offenses they committed – and already served full sentences for – while they were children.
Status: Closed
Position: Oppose
Legislation
Mar 20, 2023

Eliminate Youth Fees & Fines

HB 749/SB 889 seeks to end the harmful practice of assessing fees and fines to youth in the justice system who can’t afford them.
Status: Closed
Position: Support