Race and Poverty
In America, nearly one out of every three black men in their twenties is in jail or prison, on probation or parole, or otherwise under criminal justice control. Black men are eight times more likely to be incarcerated than white men. Without reform, it is estimated that 40% of the black male population in the State of Alabama will permanently lose the right to vote as the result of a criminal conviction.
During the last 30 years, mass incarceration policies have devastated poor and minority communities. Disenfranchisement of offenders and the erection of permanent barriers for employment and re-entry have created a growing underclass of largely poor people.
EJI is committed to challenging racially discriminatory policies, sentencing, and tactics that have made mass imprisonment a crisis in many communities of color. Indigent defense reform and providing legal assistance to the poor is vital to alleviate the problems caused by unfair criminal justice policies. EJI addresses these issues through education, community outreach efforts, litigation, and policy reform.
News
Capital Murder Charges Dropped in Case of Mother Accused in Death of Newborn
February 2, 2010
Marsha Colby, pictured with two of her six children in 1997, prior to being falsely accused of killing her seventh child at birth.
Capital murder charges filed against Marsha Colby in the death of her infant son have been dismissed and the case resolved on reduced charges in light of new forensic evidence.
EJI Encourages Supporting Relief Efforts in Haiti Through Partners in Health
January 14, 2010EJI urges our supporters to contact our sister organization Partners in Health (PIH) which is coordinating emergency services for the victims of the hugely destructive earthquake that hit Haiti on January 12, 2010. PIH is on the ground in Haiti and is one of the most effective health care providers in impoverished settings in the world. PIH is already in Haiti leveraging the skills of more than 120 doctors and nearly 500 nurses and nursing assistants who work at its health clinic sites in Haiti. To help PIH respond to the crisis in Haiti, click here.
Federal Appeals Court Rules That Ban on Voting Rights For Formerly Incarcerated is Racially Biased and Illegal
January 7, 2010The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit held on January 5, 2010, that Washington State's felon disenfranchisement law violates the Voting Rights Act because it results in minorities being denied access to the polls on account of their race.
Race and Poverty Linked with Disturbing Forecasts
November 6, 2009Nearly half of all children in the United States and 90% of African American children will rely on food stamps at some point during childhood, and fallout from the recession could push those numbers higher.
EJI Wins New Trial for Mother Illegally Sentenced to Life Without Parole
September 8, 2009On September 4, 2009, the Alabama Supreme Court reversed the conviction and sentence imposed on Marsha Colby, who was convicted of capital murder after giving birth to what doctors believe was a stillborn baby.
Washington Post: Research Links Poor Kids' Stress, Brain Impairment
Article about Rural Poverty in Alabama
"Death In Dixie"
New film featuring former First Lady Rosalynn Carter explores race and the death penalty and profiles three Alabama wrongful conviction cases. Watch the preview and purchase the DVD.
Racial Discrimination in Jury Selection
Fact sheet discussing the exclusion of people of color from jury service in Alabama capital trials. Coming Soon
Race and Sentencing: Case Study
Excerpt from Criminal Justice Reform in Alabama report discussing racial discrimination in sentencing for DUI and marijuana possession.
"Study cites racial disparity in drug, alcohol sentencing"
Montgomery Advertiser article on EJI study showing the racial discrimination in sentencing for marijuana possession and DUI.