News and announcements
What’s happening at the Academy for Justice
Mission Green Launches New Clemency Initiative and Petitions President to Release Parker Coleman Who Is Serving 60 Years for Marijuana
Mission Green, an initiative of the Weldon Project (“TWP”), today announced the filing of a clemency petition for Parker Coleman, Jr., who is currently serving a 60-year federal sentence for marijuana-related offenses. This filing along with several other petitions comes on the heels of President Biden’s historic mass pardon of anyone previously convicted on a federal charge of simple possession of marijuana.
A Star Witness Recanted. But Tasha Shelby is Still Imprisoned for ‘Shaken Baby Syndrome’ Junk-Science.
“Even when the science has changed, even when there’s proof that false evidence was presented at trial, it’s still so so hard to reverse the conviction,” said Valena Beety, a member of Shelby’s legal team.
ASU law professor shines light on lesbian couple’s wrongful convictions in new book
They were both exonerated with the help of the Innocence Project, and now, they are at the center of a new book from Arizona State University law professor Valena Beety, who has spent much of her career working to free innocent people after starting out on the other side of the legal spectrum as a prosecutor.
Explainer: How Adnan Syed’s case exposed a flawed criminal justice system
With the murder charges dropped Tuesday against Adnan Syed, who has been imprisoned since 1999 the age of 17, when he was convicted for the murder of his ex-girlfriend Hae Min Lee using what was later considered questionable evidence, criminal justice reform advocates are assessing what this means for future cases.
Research Improves Detection of Bruises in Assault Cases
Story by Shannon Johanni; The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) has announced study results and further funding for cutting-edge techniques of forensic trauma analysis.
‘If You Decide To Admit Your Crimes Over A Beat, [We’re] Going To Use It’
Story by Shannon Johanni; The conversation surrounding use of rap lyrics in criminal prosecution has resurfaced after a second indictment for gang-related criminal activity relying in part on rap lyrics.
Newsy Tonight with Chance Seales – WNBA Superstar Sentenced
Newsy Tonight A4J Deputy Director Valena Beety spoke to Newsy Tonight with Chance Seales about the latest development in the Brittney Griner Russia case and how she can get home.
Bipartisan Bill Would Clear Federal Marijuana Misdemeanor Records
American lives have been uprooted because of simple misdemeanor marijuana offenses—punishments for an activity that is now legal for various purposes in 38 states. But new legislation would provide the needed mechanism to help Americans clear low-level marijuana offenses at the federal level.