Criminal Law Reform

Ending Indefinite Solitary Confinement for the Vast Majority of People with Death Sentences in Oklahoma

After years of working collaboratively with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, we are proud to announce the end of indefinite solitary confinement for the vast majority of people incarcerated with death sentences in Oklahoma.

By Travis Handler

Latest Event


Share this event "Stories That Free Us!" The Alabama Solution Screening & Panel Discussion

JJI hosts The Alabama Solution Screening + panel connecting prison conditions in Alabama & Oklahoma and why reform matters nationwide.

Join the Julius Jones Institute for a powerful community screening of The Alabama Solution, an Oscar-nominated 2025 documentary that brings audiences inside the Alabama Department of Corrections, revealing severe conditions, unchecked violence, and systemic failures long hidden from public view through footage recorded by incarcerated people themselves.

This event is hosted in partnership with C.A.N, Diversion Hub, Foundation for Liberating Minds, ACLU of Oklahoma, LiveFree Oklahoma, Oklahoma Appleseed and Vote For Change.

Though the film centers on Alabama’s prison crisis, these systemic issues are urgent not only in Alabama, but also in Oklahoma and across the United States, where communities are impacted by mass incarceration, lack of accountability, and human rights concerns within our carceral system.

Following the screening, stay for a community panel moderated by Senator Nikki Nice, where leaders and advocates will discuss how the film’s insights connect to justice system challenges nationally and locally, and explore pathways toward reform, accountability, healing, and collective action.

Capital Punishment

More from the Press


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Stay informed on civil rights issues. Discover our latest actions and updates in the Press Release section.

Getting to Know Kendrick Simpson on Death Row

I’ve had the opportunity to get to know the next man Oklahoma plans to kill, Kendrick Simpson. Kendrick and I have visited down on death row many times as I’ve worked with my colleagues and with Kendrick to improve conditions for all the guys on death row. It’s been a privilege to get to know Kendrick and, since you don’t have the same opportunity, I’d like to share my experience with you.

By Randy Bauman

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Oklahoma Legislature Midsession Review 2023

In the face of continued discrimination in our state, we celebrated amazing wins for the rights of many Oklahomans. As these laws become closer to reality, we will continue to track these bills in the Capitol and brace to defend our civil liberties after this session adjourns.

By Cindy Nguyen

Light blue background, Oklahoma Capitol Rotunda

Felony Murder and Mass Incarceration

Felony murder charges directly contribute to mass incarceration. Given that OK consistently ranks in the top 3 incarcerators in the nation, with rates even higher than the US as a whole, it is imperative legislators consider the felony murder doctrine in conversations about criminal justice reform.

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OK Felony Murder Doctrine

The Breakdown: Week of March 7, 2022

The ACLU OK Oklahoma's weekly policy and advocacy newsletter.

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The Breakdown: Week of February 28, 2022

The ACLU OK Oklahoma's weekly policy and advocacy newsletter.

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The Breakdown: Week of February 21, 2022

The ACLU OK Oklahoma's weekly policy and advocacy newsletter.

Oklahoma Capitol Dome Image

The Breakdown: Week of February 14, 2022

The ACLU OK Oklahoma's weekly policy and advocacy newsletter.

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No New Crimes, No New Fines

What We’re Asking from the Oklahoma Legislature in 2021 and Beyond

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Criminal Justice Reform is in Our Hands: We Have A Chance for Change With SQ 805

On November 3, Oklahomans will have their final opportunity to lend their vote to meaningful criminal justice reform this cycle by voting Yes on State Question 805. As is often the case for criminal justice reform in Oklahoma, opposition to this modest reform has been rife with misinformation, and rooted in the idea that somehow a state who has managed to incarcerate people at the highest rates in the world to the detriment of our public safety is doing justice. 

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Yes on State Question 805