Criminal Law Reform

The criminal legal system is rooted in slavery. This legacy has created an epidemic of mass incarceration. The ACLU of Northern California works to end unjust laws and policies that unfairly and disproportionately prosecute and imprison Black and Brown people. We advocate for criminal law reform that keeps communities safe and respects the rights of all Californians.

Outline of the State of California overlaid with pictures of a person holding a sign saying "Due process for EVERYONE" and the scales of justice

The Latest


News & Commentary
Police cars in rearview mirror

ACLU Organizers Take Aim at Racially Biased Police Stops in Sacramento

Pretext stops can unjustly funnel people into the criminal justice and immigration enforcement pipeline.
Press Release
investigations folder

City of Vallejo Releases Sanitized Report On Police Officers' Badge-Bending Ritual

Vallejo officials hid evidence of police misconduct from public for years
Issue Areas: Criminal Law Reform
Press Release
gavel and scales of justice with blue filter

California Supreme Court Orders Historic Challenge to Death Penalty to Move Forward

The order recognizes the compelling evidence establishing that California’s death penalty is administered in a racially discriminatory manner.
Press Release
Driving While Black and Brown: The Case for Banning Racially Biased Traffic Stops in Sacramento in light blue text on a dark background with an image of the Sacramento skyline in white.

ACLU Report Finds Sacramento Police Disproportionately Stopped Black People for Traffic Violations

Black and Latino drivers were more likely to be searched

Cases, Campaigns & Legislation


Court Case
Mar 24, 2025

In re: Adkins (Petition for Habeas Corpus)

We're challenging the governor's authority to reverse parole as a violation of the rights of young people.
Court Case
Oct 4, 2024

In Re: Carl Powell (Petition for Habeas Corpus)

A habeas petition based on claims brought under the Racial Justice Act, in which our client is challenging his conviction and death sentence. We subsequently filed a writ of habeas corpus challenging four unfounded disciplinary infractions.
Court Case
Apr 15, 2024

ACLU of Northern California v. CA Dept of State Hospitals

The ACLU Foundation of Northern California sued the California Department of State Hospitals for refusing to provide public records about severely mentally ill individuals who died in jail, while waiting to get treatment at a state facility. At least 35 people died in one five year period alone. DSH claimed it did not keep track of the in-custody deaths of people on its waitlist.
Court Case
Apr 9, 2024

Office of State Public Defender et al. v. Bonta

Original writ petition challenging California’s death-penalty system under the state constitution’s equal protection provisions.