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04.19.14
Problems with Privatized Food Service Should Not Surprise Ohio Prison Officials
Prison Privatization Schemes Often Cut Corners to Maximize Profit
COLUMBUS, OH – Today, the ACLU of Ohio called on the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) to reexamine the privatization of state prison food services. The request comes amid news that ODRC has fined private food contractor Aramark over $142,000 for “falling short of quality levels” and creating “unfortunate operational challenges” in Ohio Read more…
Criminal Justice, Prisoners' Rights
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04.10.14
Officials Should Act on Recommendations by Ohio Supreme Court Taskforce to Reform Death Penalty System
Recommendations Include Exclusion of Seriously Mentally Ill from Execution and Reform of Death Penalty Eligible Crimes
CLEVELAND, OH – After over two years of investigation, careful research and robust discussion, a joint taskforce of judges, prosecutors, criminal defense attorneys, legal scholars, and legislators have found serious flaws in the system and responded with a series of 56 recommendations for reform. Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor formed the taskforce following Read more…
Death Penalty
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04.04.14
ACLU of Ohio Statement on Federal Judge Timothy Black’s Decision to Rule Ohio’s Ban on Recognizing Same-Sex Marriage Unconstitutional
CLEVELAND, OH – Today, the ACLU of Ohio released the following statement regarding Federal Judge Timothy Black’s announcement of his decision to strike down Ohio’s ban on recognizing marriages between same-sex couples who legally wed elsewhere. Judge Black indicated that he will release the decision on April 14th. “Judge Timothy Black’s announcement represents another step Read more…
LGBT Rights
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03.10.14
ACLU Asks Supreme Court of Ohio to Strike Down Indiscriminate Shackling of Children in the Courtroom
Adult Courts Require a Hearing Before Shackling Defendants Juvenile Courts Should be Held to the Same Standard
COLUMBUS, OH – Today, the ACLU of Ohio filed a writ with the Supreme Court of Ohio, asking for a ruling that prohibits juvenile courts from shackling children without first holding a hearing to determine if it is necessary. Adult courts already require these hearings, and 11 states have also banned indiscriminate juvenile shackling. Nevertheless, Read more…
Juvenile Justice, Youth Rights
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02.27.14
Prison Authorities Can Save Lives and Taxpayer Funds By Helping People Leaving Jail Enroll in Medicaid
Access to Treatment Makes People Less Likely to Return to Jail, Breaking the Cycle of Illness and Incarceration that Strains Local Budgets
CLEVELAND, OH – Today, the ACLU of Ohio called on the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) to pass rules that help people leaving jail enroll in Ohio’s newly expanded Medicaid program. “Helping people get the treatment they need to stay out jail for good is a much better investment than incarcerating them over Read more…
Criminal Justice, Prisoners' Rights