Research & Publications

Shelby County’s current bail system fails to improve public safety and unnecessarily punishes those who cannot afford release, while allowing people with resources to walk free before trial.

Under Shelby County’s current, unconstitutional pretrial system, a person can be held for weeks or longer without a bail hearing with counsel, and ability to pay is not considered when bail is set, leaving those who cannot afford to pay detained indefinitely, even if they are not a flight or safety

The ACLU of Tennessee's annual report from the 2020-2021 fiscal year highlights our ambitious agenda and our promise to advance justice, fairness and equity in Tennessee amidst this period of hyperpoliticized partisanship.

In this issue: “Law Requiring Businesses to Post Anti-Trans Restroom Signs Blocked,” “DAs Report to You: A Campaign for District Attorney Transparency,” “ACLU-TN Welcomes New Staff Member,” “Shelby County Sheriff Resists Protecting People in Jail from Covid-19,” and more.

The story of money bail's devastating impact on rural communities in Tennessee - as told by the community members themselves

In this issue: "Protecting Incarcerated People During a Pandemic," "Defending Access to Abortion," "Protecting Free, Fair and Safe Elections in 2020," "Judge Strikes Down Lee’s Voucher Program," "ACLU-TN Welcomes New Staff," and more.

The ACLU of Tennessee is launching a statewide awareness campaign to encourage eligible Tennesseans to vote early and safely in 2020.