Criminal Justice
The Open Society Foundations support criminal justice reform around the world by developing alternatives to pretrial detention, broadening access to legal representation, and promoting new alliances for reform.
A Crisis Averted
Fighting the Pandemic in Pakistan’s Prisons
Thanks to the heroic efforts of civil society groups, prisoners in Pakistan did not suffer a mass outbreak of COVID-19. What the near miss underlined, however, is the country’s urgent need for criminal justice reform.
Honoring a Legend
Honoring a Social Justice Legend
Following 25 years of service, Herb Sturz retired from the Open Society Foundations in July. He leaves behind a legacy of work that lifted up lives, from the townships of South Africa to the classrooms of New York City.
EVENT RECAP
How Racism and Inequality Are Influencing the Rise of Legalized Cannabis in the United States
As the legal cannabis industry in the United States continues its explosive growth, a new documentary raises challenging but vital questions about the interaction between drug policy, racism, mass incarceration, and justice.
Ending mass incarceration
What a Soccer Star Teaches Us About Criminal Justice
Megan Rapinoe, co-captain of the World Cup–winning U.S. women’s soccer team, told a story about her brother’s struggles with addiction and incarceration. Here’s what we can learn from his story—and why prison breeds violence rather than making communities safer.
Keep Families Together
We Must Not Forget the Children of the Incarcerated
As a new report shows, draconian anti-drug policies in Latin America don’t just harm people who use or sell substances; they harm the children and families of the incarcerated, too. Thankfully, there’s a better way.
Voices
The Consequences of Rising Female Incarceration Rates in Latin America
Punitive drug laws are the driving force behind women’s imprisonment, but two organizations are working together to reverse the trend.
Voices
Q&A: Defending the Right to Protest in South Africa
Despite its place in the country’s constitution, the right to peacefully protest in South Africa is often abridged. Here’s what the civil society group Right2Protest is doing to end this injustice and protect this key right.
Voices
Drug Law Reform Comes to Mexico
Thanks to some crucial recent rulings from the Mexico Supreme Court, as well as the hard work of reformers and civil society groups throughout the country, Mexico is finally rethinking how it regulates cannabis.