Topic: DOJ Bureau of Justice Statistics

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What causes wrongful convictions? Lies, mistaken eyewitnesses top the list.

Researchers examined 873 wrongful convictions and found that perjury or false accusations were responsible for more than half. New report offers insight into what leads to miscarriages of justice.
1940 Census data: A treasure trove for con artists?

Data from the 1940 census, released Monday, has excited Americans looking for more information about their heritage. But the information could also help identity thieves.
Trayvon Martin: the crime of being black, male, and wearing a hoodie

Whatever happens to neighborhood watch captain George Zimmerman, the dialogue on race must go on. Media perpetually associate criminality with black males. Legislators criminalize black dress. And the criminal justice system disproportionately penalizes black men and boys.
Difference Maker
Judith Heumann: from 'fire hazard' to top advocate for disabled people

Judith Heumann learned early on that if she was going to be part of society she'd have to fight for the right.
Strauss-Kahn case raises question: How safe are hotel employees?

Violent crimes against hotel employees, as is alleged in the Strauss-Kahn case, are rare, but they do take place. Industry experts say protecting staff and making them feel safe is a priority.
Craigslist killer suspect's suicide riles victim's family

Craigslist killer suspect Philip Markoff's suicide denies the victim's family members a chance to confront him in court.
Emptier prisons: Inmate population drops for first time in 40 years

The number of inmates in state prisons declined in 2009 after a long upswing. Efforts to control skyrocketing corrections budgets are a key reason.
In Chicago, can community involvement combat gang violence?

An incident-filled spring triggers talk of how community involvement, perhaps in addition to more police on the streets, can combat gang violence.
Redeem the prison generation

Treating prisoners like toxic social waste isn't working. Here's a better way.
US soldiers are heroes, not terrorists

Homeland Security's warning is unjustified.
At overcrowded Florida prisons, some inmates may just camp out

The state's plan to house some inmates in tents could save money, but it's drawing criticism.
Program helps Arizona prisoners get ready for real life

From Day One, inmates are treated like adults, lowering the chance they will return.