News & Commentary

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

Write the Row: Holiday Cards Event

Join ACLU of Oklahoma, the Julius Jones Institute, and the Oklahoma Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty for an afternoon of community and solidarity! Together, we will be writing holiday cards to the men on death row.

The purpose of the “Write the Row” program is to affirm the humanity of the men on death row and ease their feelings of isolations through letters of encouragement. During this event, we want to ensure that the men and their families feel supported throughout the holiday season.

Letter writing materials and snacks will be provided. Please join us and invite your own friends and families to attend!

Criminal Law Reform

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.

Jun 17, 2022

The Liberating Truth About Juneteenth

As we celebrate Juneteenth, let’s remember exactly what we are celebrating, and why.

Marchers commemorating Juneteenth walking with fists raised in front of the Old Courthouse in St. Louis.
Jun 17, 2022

Trans Joy Is Most Necessary When It Feels the Most Impossible

When forces larger than us try to break our spirit, we can respond as forcefully and effectively with joy as we can with anger, defiance, and protest.

Trans activists march at the Black Transnational Rally with a rainbow flag in the West Village of Manhattan.
Jun 15, 2022

Captive Labor: Exploitation of Incarcerated Workers

We examined the injustices of prison labor nationwide — and lay the foundation for a more equitable path forward.

A collage of images depicting prison labor.
Jun 15, 2022

How the Impact of Bostock v. Clayton County on LGBTQ Rights Continues to Expand

The effects of this landmark Supreme Court victory are amplified in states, federal agencies, and courtrooms throughout the U.S.

Aimee Stephens, seated, her wife Donna Stephens, in pink, and ACLU attorney Chase Strangio, at the far right listen during a news conference outside the Supreme Court.
Jun 09, 2022

How ICE Sidesteps the Law to Find and Deport People

A new report documents data sharing between local jails and LexisNexis, enabling deportation to continue even in sanctuary cities and states.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers apprehending two men.
Jun 02, 2022

What if Algorithms Worked For Accused People, Instead of Against Them?

We created an algorithmic tool to find out what risks the criminal legal system poses to the people entering it, rather than their risk to "public safety."

A prisoner holding his extended and clasped hands between the bars of his cell.
Jun 02, 2022

Using Cyanide Gas in Executions is an Affront to Jewish Values

Arizona’s use of Zyklon B should shock the conscience of all Americans.

A photo of a prison gas chamber.
Jun 01, 2022

The Biden Administration’s Executive Order on Policing is a Foundation to Build Upon

Two years after the murder of George Floyd, a new executive order on police reform offers a starting place, but does not go far enough.

Protesters holding signs depicting George Floyd.
May 31, 2022

From Japanese American Incarceration to the China Initiative, Discrimination Against AAPI Communities Must End

Our institutions and our country must live up to our American ideals and values, and stop the cycle of profiling and discrimination.

Woman holds a sign stating “Stop AAPI Hate.”