Criminal Justice Reform

From policing and sentencing, to the treatment of incarcerated people, the ACLU of RI seeks to reform the excessively harsh, unnecessary criminal justice policies and practices that result in mass incarceration, over-criminalization and ongoing inequality.

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Explore our work in justice reform in Rhode Island.

The Latest

Know Your Rights
Driving While Black in RI

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: What to Do if You're Stopped by Police, Immigration or the FBI

Regardless of your immigration or citizenship status, you have constitutional rights!
Know Your Rights
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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: Rhode Island Homeless Bill of Rights

“No person’s rights, privileges, or access to public services may be denied or abridged solely because he or she is homeless. Such a person shall be granted the same rights and privileges as any other resident of this state.”
Know Your Rights
Driving While Black in RI

CONOZCA SUS DERECHOS: Qué Debe Hacer Si La Policía, Agentes De Inmigración O El FBI Lo Detienen

News & Commentary
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ACLU Files Brief in Support of Gun Owners Criminally Charged for Using Medical Marijuana

"Friend of the court” brief filed supporting a challenge to a federal law that completely bars unlawful users of controlled substances – including medical marijuana, which, though legal in Rhode Island, remains illegal at the federal level –– from possessing firearms.
Campaign
Apr 2020

CAMPAIGN: COVID-19 & Civil Liberties in RI

Campaign
Jan 2020

CAMPAIGN: The School-to-Prison Pipeline

Campaign
Jan 2018

CAMPAIGN: The Statehouse-to-Prison Pipeline

Campaign
Jan 2005

CAMPAIGN: Racial Profiling