Criminal Legal Reform

Our criminal justice system is broken.

Over the past few decades, our elected leaders have increasingly focused on tough penalties that do not deter crime and do nothing to help increase public safety. Instead, it has created a system of mass incarceration, over-criminalization, and racial injustice.

A colorful photo collage featuring jail bars, a gavel and a justice statue

Through our work, the ACLU of South Dakota advocates for the constitutional and civil rights of those impacted by criminal legal systems. We use litigation and advocacy to confront systemic government conduct that fuels the carceral state and police abuse, and oppresses people based on race, class, and other characteristics. The ACLU does this work because everyone suspected, accused, or convicted of a crime deserves dignity, fairness, and an opportunity to thrive. Ultimately, we seek to shift power to under-resourced communities and to elevate approaches to justice and safety that advance fundamental rights for all.

The Latest

Press Release
Press Statement

ACLU of Wyoming Asks State Criminal Legal System to Develop Plan to Prevent a Public Health Crisis Amid COVID-19 Outbreak

Tthe ACLU of Wyoming is urging state officials to heed public health experts’ advice and immediately develop an evidence-based, proactive plan for the prevention and management of COVID-19 in Wyoming’s jails, detention centers, prisons, ICE facilities and detainee transportation.
Press Release
Blue Smart Justice Image

Criminal justice reforms could cut Wyoming prison population in half by 2025, ACLU report says

Wyoming can cut incarceration in half and save millions of dollars by pursuing reforms to different areas of the criminal legal system, according to the ACLU of Wyoming’s newly released Blueprint for Smart Justice report.
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform
News & Commentary
State Penitentiary in Rawlins Wyoming

Wyoming can get 1,528 people out of prison by 2025. Here's how.

Ultimately, the answer is up to Wyoming’s voters, policymakers, communities, and criminal justice advocates as they move forward with the urgent work of ending the state’s obsession with mass incarceration.
Press Release
Placeholder image

ACLU of Wyoming co-hosting letter writing events in Cheyenne

Letters and emails sent directly to our public officials can be a very useful advocacy tactic and can be extremely effective in making change in Wyoming.
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform