Five people have already died at Rikers Island this year, and the situation is rapidly deteriorating. This tragic reality underscores a deeper crisis within the American justice system, one that extends far beyond the walls of this notorious jail. The sheer number of deaths, occurring so early in the year, paints a grim picture of the conditions within the facility and raises serious questions about the efficacy and ethics of our approach to incarceration.
The high percentage of pretrial detainees at Rikers—reportedly around 85%—highlights the significant role of bail reform in this ongoing tragedy. Over-incarceration, coupled with potentially inadequate staff training and unstable working conditions, seems to be creating a dangerous environment.… Continue reading
During a Republican retreat, President Trump proposed sending repeat violent offenders to other countries for incarceration at a reduced cost to the U.S. This plan targets both illegal immigrants and U.S. citizens with multiple arrests for serious crimes. The president believes this would significantly reduce crime domestically, although such a policy would require new legislation and potentially face legal challenges. Public opinion polls show significant support for deporting immigrants with criminal records, but the legality and ethics of deporting U.S. citizens remain contested.
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President Biden’s recent pardon of nearly 2,500 nonviolent drug offenders is a significant action, prompting a wide range of reactions. The pardons specifically target individuals who received lengthy sentences based on outdated distinctions between crack and powder cocaine, as well as those penalized under obsolete sentencing enhancements for drug-related crimes. This move is seen by many as a step towards addressing historical injustices within the criminal justice system.
The timing of these pardons has sparked debate. Some argue the action should have been taken much sooner, potentially on day one of his presidency, instead of waiting until later in his term.… Continue reading
President Biden’s annual Thanksgiving turkey pardon highlights the underutilization of his broader clemency powers. Over 65 members of Congress urged Biden to employ these powers to address systemic injustices within the criminal justice system, specifically citing mass incarceration and the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities. This call for action emphasizes the potential for pardons to correct inequities and reduce the substantial financial burden of mass incarceration. Advocates argue for a more expansive use of clemency, referencing the historical precedent of presidents granting pardons to thousands, and highlighting the urgent need for action on death row cases.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker