National Geographic’s 2016 “Gender Revolution” edition generated both applause and controversy but illustrated perfectly how the conversation around gender has gotten increasingly more complex over the last decade. From the hit Netflix show Orange is the New Black to former Olympian Caitlyn Jenner, visibility for transgender men and women has struck curiosity in the minds of millions and is raising big questions for policy makers and practitioners alike. Criminal justice inst

Under the helm of Jeff Sessions, the DOJ recently changed its position to now opposes a state’s right to decriminalize marijuana use. The change reflects a reaffirmation of the Federal government’s authority in labeling marijuana as a Schedule I narcotic. The reversal is sure to have a major impact on recent inroads in the cause for legalization. It comes in direct contradiction of promises made by then Senator Sessions to defer cannabis policies to the states and leave exist

With the stroke of midnight on December 31st we now enter a new year, one filled with a renewed sense of vision and the reality of challenges that will inevitably face us. We are looking to the future positively, and we believe there is good cause to be optimistic in 2018. As an advocate for reform, the Justice and Accountability Center of Louisiana (JAC) sees changes in both Baton Rouge and Washington D.C. as proof that our work and the work of other criminal justice focused