Press Releases
about Criminal Law Reform
May 17, 2021
Supreme Court Unanimously Protects Privacy in Major “Search and Seizure” Case From Rhode Island
In an important victory for privacy rights, the U.S Supreme Court today unanimously rejected police arguments that engaging in a non-criminal “community caretaking” function al...
Issue Areas:
Criminal Law Reform
May 15, 2021
Brooklyn Center Passes Landmark Policing Resolution in Wake of Daunte Wright Killing
BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. —Today, the Brooklyn Center City Council Passed the Daunte Wright and Kobe Dimock-Heisler Community Safety and Violence Prevention Resolution, a groundbrea...
Issue Areas:
Criminal Law Reform
May 14, 2021
ACLU of Maine Calls on Lawmakers to Amend State’s Harsh Felony Drug Trafficking Law
The bill, LD 1675, would require prosecutors to show proof of intent to sell to bring a felony drug trafficking charge
Issue Areas:
Criminal Law Reform
May 12, 2021
ACLU Analysis Reveals Reforms to Controversial 1033 Program that Gives Police Weapons of War Had No Impact
NEW YORK — Today, the American Civil Liberties Union released an analysis of 1033, the federal program through which the U.S. military transfers weapons of war to state and lo...
Issue Areas:
Criminal Law Reform
May 03, 2021
ACLU of Louisiana’s Justice Lab Sues St. Tammany Deputies for Choking a Black Woman Over False Traffic Violation
Video of attack shows deputy pressing the woman’s face into the ground, threatening to Taser her child
Issue Areas:
Criminal Law Reform
Apr 30, 2021
Maine Lawmakers Consider Major Drug Reform Bill, as Advocates and Health Experts Rally in Support
Legislative committee holds hearing on LD 967, a bill that would make minor drug possession for personal use a civil offense and offer a pathway to recovery
Issue Areas:
Criminal Law Reform
About the ACLU
The American Civil Liberties Union has media staff available to handle inquiries from journalists on national issues affecting civil liberties, including questions on legislative matters that touch on civil liberties and constitutional freedoms and inquiries related to ACLU lawsuits.
To schedule an interview with an ACLU expert, email media@aclu.org.
Contact an ACLU Affiliate
The ACLU has 54 local offices across the U.S. working with attorneys and activists in their communities to shape better policies and spread awareness about their states' priority civil rights issues.
Local inquiries should be directed to the appropriate ACLU state affiliate.
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U.S. Supreme CourtFeb 2026
Criminal Law Reform
Us V. Hemani. Explore Case.US v. Hemani
Is a federal criminal statute, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3), which makes it a felony for an “unlawful user” of a controlled substance to possess a firearm, constitutional when it is used to prosecute a person who is a marijuana user and who keeps a gun safely secured at home for self-defense? -
MinnesotaDec 2025
Criminal Law Reform
Osorio-calderon V. Warden, Fci Sandstone. Explore Case.Osorio-Calderon v. Warden, FCI Sandstone
This case is about whether people unlawfully incarcerated beyond their mandatory transfer dates under the First Step Act can file habeas corpus petitions seeking their release from prison onto prerelease custody in the community. -
IdahoFeb 2026
Criminal Law Reform
Immigrants' Rights
Rodriguez, Et Al. V. Porter, Et Al.. Explore Case.Rodriguez, et al. v. Porter, et al.
On February 10, 2026, CLRP, along with the ACLU of Idaho and Wendy J. Olson, former U.S. Attorney for the District of Idaho, and partner at Stoel Rives, filed a putative class action lawsuit challenging an immigration raid carried out at a popular family event in Wilder, Idaho in October 2025. -
News & CommentaryApr 2026
Criminal Law Reform
Can It Be A Felony To Possess A Gun If You Smoke Weed?. Explore News & Commentary.Can It Be a Felony to Possess a Gun if You Smoke Weed?
The Supreme Court should reject a prosecution that treats possession of a gun as a felony if you use marijuana.