TCJE Press Releases

Press Contact: For all media inquiries, please contact Madison Kaigh, Communications Manager, at mkaigh@TexasCJE.orgor (512) 441-8123, ext. 108.

 

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Data: Some Indigent Defendants in Capital Cases Received Few If Any Visits from Appointed Attorneys in Harris County

The Texas Center for Justice and Equity recently released a policy brief spotlighting inadequate legal representation for people with the most severe charges in Harris County. “Absentee Advocacy: Failures in Harris County’s Capital Representation System” explores the landscape of indigent defense in capital cases in the county, highlights findings from an analysis of jail visitation logs and court filings, and proposes an actionable solution for county decisionmakers.

Read the rest of this press release here.

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Leaders Impacted by Criminal Punishment System to Host RGV Event

This Saturday, system-impacted Texans will gather in Edinburg for a community-building event. Organized by the Texas Center for Justice and Equity’s Statewide Leadership Council (SLC), the event will expand outreach to local community members who’ve been arrested, incarcerated, on probation or parole, or family members of those who have. “Know Your Rights! - Navigating the Legal and Carceral System” is free and will be hosted at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg.

Read the rest of this press release here.

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Austin Event to Highlight Solutions Outside of Criminal Punishment System

This Friday, local coalitions and organizations will gather for a community conversation focused on incarceration, public safety, and healing. “The State of Public Safety Through Healing and Equity” will be led by crime survivors and Texans who’ve been personally impacted by the criminal punishment system. The event is free for all community members, and will be hosted at St. Edwards University.

Read the rest of this press release here.

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Formerly Incarcerated Leaders to Gather for Community-Building Event in San Antonio

On December 30, a group of formerly incarcerated and justice system-impacted Texans will convene in San Antonio. The event, “From Prison to Power: Finding Your Voice After Incarceration,” is organized by the Texas Center for Justice and Equity’s Statewide Leadership Council (SLC).

Read the rest of this press release here.

Texas Capitol dome Text: 2023 Bill Analysis Guide: New Justice Legislation in Texas TCJE logo

Texas Center for Justice and Equity Releases 2023 Bill Analysis Guide While Acknowledging Need for Deeper Gains

Today, the Texas Center for Justice and Equity (TCJE) released a guide to around 40 bills that passed into law during the 2023 session of the Texas Legislature. The majority of the new laws go into effect on Friday, September 1. These bills span youth and adult justice—including court processes and defense, probation and treatment options, incarceration and conditions of confinement, parole and reentry, and other relevant issues.

Read the rest of this press release here.

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Youth-Led Coalition to Close Texas’ Youth Prisons Will Gather at State Capitol

On the opening day of the Texas Legislature’s 2023 session, a group of young people, formerly incarcerated organizers, advocates, and organizations will gather for a rally and advocacy day. The event is hosted by the Finish the 5 Coalition, which is advocating to close Texas’ inhumane youth prisons and instead invest in kids and communities. More information is available on the event registration page.

Read the rest of this press release here.

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Texas’ First Family Reunification Cases Move Forward

Soon, two Texas families will be reunited with their children after regaining custody this fall. The reunification is possible thanks to HB 2926, a bipartisan bill signed into law following the 87th(R) Texas Legislative Session, which created a pathway for parents who have lost their parental rights to petition the court to reinstate them.

Read the rest of this press release here.

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Formerly Incarcerated Leaders to Gather for Community-Building Event in Austin

On December 3, a group of formerly incarcerated and justice system-impacted Texans will convene in Austin. The event, “From Prison to Power: Finding Your Voice After Incarceration,” is organized by the Texas Center for Justice and Equity’s Statewide Leadership Council (SLC) and partners.

Read the rest of this press release here.

Cover of our Finish the 5 policy brief

“Finish the 5” Policy Plan to Close Texas’s Youth Prisons

Today, the Texas Center for Justice and Equity (TCJE) released a policy brief outlining a path to closing Texas’s five youth prisons by 2027. “Finish the 5: Our Journey to Zero Youth Prisons in Texas” includes a history of abuse in Texas’s youth punishment system and policy recommendations to close all five facilities while prioritizing child and community safety. 

Read the rest of this press release here.

Maggie holding a microphone, text reading "From Prison to Power: Finding Your Voice After Incarceration, July 2nd, 1:00-3:00pm Grassroots Leadership office 7910 Cameron Rd, Austin, TX 78754"

Formerly Incarcerated Leaders to Gather for Community-Building Event in Austin

On Saturday, July 2, a group of formerly incarcerated and justice system-impacted Texans will convene in Austin. The event, “From Prison to Power: Finding Your Voice After Incarceration,” is organized by the Texas Center for Justice and Equity’s Statewide Leadership Council (SLC) and partners.

Read the rest of this press release here.