A Watershed Moment: How Joan Little’s Acquittal Redefined Self-Defense and Ignited a Movement

A Watershed Moment: How Joan Little’s Acquittal Redefined Self-Defense and Ignited a Movement

By Esther Claudette Gittens | Photo by: AI  In the turbulent summer of 1975, a North Carolina courtroom became the epicenter of a case that would forever alter the American legal landscape and galvanize nascent movements for racial and gender equality. Joan Little, a young Black woman incarcerated for breaking and entering, faced the death […]

Understanding Executive Clemency: The Impact of a Pardon from the Governor of New York State

Understanding Executive Clemency: The Impact of a Pardon from the Governor of New York State

By Brian Figeroux | Editorial Credit: Lev Radin /shutterstock.com  A pardon from the Governor of New York State is a form of executive clemency that can significantly relieve individuals with past criminal offenses. Obtaining a pardon from the Governor of New York State is a challenging but potentially life-changing process for individuals with past criminal […]

Navigating Immigration Consequences: The Importance of Post-Conviction Relief for Non-Citizens

Navigating Immigration Consequences: The Importance of Post-Conviction Relief for Non-Citizens

By Brian Figeroux | Editorial Credit: Skyward Kick Productions / shutterstock.com  For non-citizens, addressing the immigration consequences of a conviction through post-conviction relief can be critical for avoiding deportation or other adverse immigration actions. Legal strategies like vacating convictions based on ineffective counsel or modifying sentences to avoid aggravated felony designations can play a significant […]