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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. 

Crowd at a rally in support of the Racial Justice Act

Racial Justice Act Implementation
The Racial Justice Act is a California law that prohibits the State from pursuing convictions or sentences based upon race, ethnicity, or national origin. Our public database of prosecutorial records is designed help ensure a robust implementation of the law.
 Explore the Database
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Gold Chains: The Hidden History of Slavery in California
Gold Chains highlights California’s slavery past which is not taught in schools. Through narratives, public records, archival material, and images, this project exposes California’s hidden history and the ways in which its legacy persists in the state’s courts, culture, and conscience.
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