USC Gould’s Post-Conviction Justice Project inspires — and gets results
After 40 years, the influential program has led the way in parole reform, shaped legislation and policies, and created second chances for incarcerated women and youths.
USC professor wins California Supreme Court case regarding police misconduct
Olu Orange, civil rights lawyer and director of the USC mock trial program, won the reinstatement of an $8 million damages verdict to the family of a Black man killed by sheriff’s deputies.
Three clients freed from California prisons thanks to USC’s Post-Conviction Justice Project
Allen, Celia and Charles all received life sentences for crimes they committed as teens and spent 84 years combined in prison. Through their dedication and the project’s advocacy, they are now free.
New approach to police lineups measures the strength of an eyewitness’s memory
A team of scientists from USC and other Southern California research institutions seeks to remove decision bias from the process of identifying suspects.
‘I Became a Cop to Fight Injustice. We Need to Do Better’
The LAPD reserve officer and USC radiation oncology specialist talks about combating racism as a society.
When Supreme Court justices defy expectations
The recent decision by America’s highest court to retain employment discrimination protections for the LGBTQ community is consistent with a historic pattern of defying expectations, a USC expert notes.
Formerly incarcerated social work scholars unite thanks to new student interest group
Unchained Scholars brings together social work students who were system- or justice-impacted, along with their allies, to organize events and offer one another support.
Why do certain county jails hold detained immigrants for ICE?
A USC law professor investigates which counties are more likely to participate in immigration detention and what those counties all have in common.
Writing Unites USC Students and Ex-Prisoners Seeking a Better Life
Released prisoners share their stories while USC students write their own in an unusual partnership that has changed lives.
For inmates serving life terms, USC’s Post-Conviction Justice Project sparks hope where none existed
Team including USC law students and legal experts educates and counsels life-term youth offenders about new laws that could mean a second chance.
Cyntoia Brown receives clemency; she was focus of documentary by USC Annenberg’s Dan Birman
The PBS film Me Facing Life: Cyntoia’s Story recounts Brown’s tragic childhood, running away and being forced into prostitution. In 2004, she was picked up by a man, went to his home and, claiming she feared for her life, shot and killed him.
🎧 Law, psychology expert helps the littlest witnesses have their day in court
For 20 years, Thomas Lyon has been studying how to best interview child witnesses. Now he’s making a difference in their court cases, too.
USC-LAPD Community Policing Training Aims to Reduce Use of Force
Lessons from social work and public policy can help law enforcement officers build bridges with their communities.
First juvenile resentencing client released from prison gets second chance
USC’s Post-Conviction Justice Project wins freedom for a man who spent more than half his life behind bars.
She Empowers Women with Loved Ones in Prison
Essie Justice Group helps launch community leaders ready to advocate for and support other women.
Former gang member turned social work student at USC reflects on a tumultuous life — in his own words
Run-ins with the law landed José Barron in prison, but he never lost sight of his higher education goals.
USC spatial sciences students analyze crime patterns in L.A.
Using location-based data, researchers show where violent crimes are concentrated and how that information can lead to positive results.
USC Gould alumna helps people rebuild their lives
Pro bono work at the law school prepared Trojan for current role in the L.A. Office of Reentry.
Long Journey to Justice
LA police honor Nikias for contributions to community
Los Angeles Police Museum bestows Jack Webb Award on USC president, highlighting cooperation between institutions.
National report urges U.S. to significantly revise prison policies
Rate of imprisonment has more than quadrupled in four decades, the report finds.