The criminal justice system faced extraordinary challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic—courts temporarily shuttered, public safety resources were stretched thin, jails and prisons dealt with massive outbreaks, and criminal defendants and inmates faced delays and hardships that impacted their constitutional rights and safety.
Emergency Powers and Citizen Rights
Emergency powers exist so state and local governments can act quickly to protect their citizens. See how civil liberties are affected during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Resources for Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Victims During COVID-19 Shelter-in-Place Orders
Shelter-in-place, lockdown, and isolation orders raise fears and concerns for victims of domestic violence and child abuse—where the greatest danger is often in the home.
Virtual Criminal Court Appearances During and After COVID-19
In the midst of the pandemic, courts are embracing videoconferencing and other remote appearance tools. This development could represent a turning point for the justice system.