News and Commentary

As the leading civil rights organization in the Lone Star State, we at the ACLU of Texas believe it is our duty to keep the public informed about the state of their civil liberties. The work we do at the legislature, in the courts, and in our communities is important, but there is no better defender of civil rights than a public that is informed and engaged.

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Nov 21, 2011

Private Prisons: How the Industry Sells Such a Bad Product

Smart Justice
By Kirsten Bokenkamp Communications Coordinator There is no evidence that increased criminal penalties and stiffer sentences benefit society or lower crime rates.  In fact, as Texas has shifted away from...
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By Kirsten Bokenkamp Communications Coordinator There is no evidence that increased criminal penalties and stiffer sentences benefit society or lower crime rates.  In fact, as Texas has shifted away from...
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Nov 18, 2011

Texas tough? John Bradley has a change in heart…We hope he acts on it

Smart Justice
By Kirsten Bokenkamp Communications Coordinator Apparently...
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By Kirsten Bokenkamp Communications Coordinator Apparently...
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Nov 16, 2011

Private Prisons: The Explosion

Smart Justice
By Kirsten Bokenkamp Communications Coordinator Released earlier this month, the ACLU’s report titled ...
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By Kirsten Bokenkamp Communications Coordinator Released earlier this month, the ACLU’s report titled ...
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Nov 15, 2011

The Houston Chronicle Discusses Role of Race in Practice of the Death Penalty

Smart Justice
By Kirsten Bokenkamp Communications Coordinator African Americans make up about half of the murder arrests in Harris county, but they get charged with capital murder at a much higher rate than whites or...
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By Kirsten Bokenkamp Communications Coordinator African Americans make up about half of the murder arrests in Harris county, but they get charged with capital murder at a much higher rate than whites or...
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Nov 14, 2011

Tearing Families Apart

Border and Immigrants’ Rights
By Kirsten Bokenkamp Communications Coordinator Imagine that you have been living the constant nightmare of being physically abused by your spouse.  Fearful of being deported, you have never called to report...
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By Kirsten Bokenkamp Communications Coordinator Imagine that you have been living the constant nightmare of being physically abused by your spouse.  Fearful of being deported, you have never called to report...
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Nov 3, 2011

Time to Stop Drinking the Privatization Kool-Aid

Smart Justice
By Frank Knaack Associate Director of Public Policy and Advocacy (Originally posted on Texas Prison Bid’ness) In 1990, there were 7,771 prisoners held in...
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By Frank Knaack Associate Director of Public Policy and Advocacy (Originally posted on Texas Prison Bid’ness) In 1990, there were 7,771 prisoners held in...
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