News & Commentary
Ebola, history, and Maryland's response to national crises
As states across the nation consider how to respond to cases of Ebola being diagnosed in the United States, the ACLU is encouraged that Maryland thus far has taken a sensible and fact-based approach. Government responses to Ebola - or any potential health threat - must be guided by sound medical science, not by fear and political posturing. But it is worth remembering that Maryland's measured response, in sharp contrast to actions taken by the governors in New York and New Jersey, is not just good policy. It is legally required thanks to changes made to state emergency powers in 2002, which the ACLU of Maryland was instrumental in shaping.
Justin Bieber? What about all the other immigrants detained & deported for lesser charges?
In case you missed it, Justin Bieber is in trouble with the law -- for late-night drag racing in Miami Beach, Florida. His arrest sparked so much national outrage from his supporters that #FreeBieber began trending on Twitter.
The Fight Continues: Ending Mass Incarceration in Maryland
At the core of this travesty is excessively harsh crime policies, which when paired with racially biased policing result in mass incarceration of people of color.African Americans are incarcerated at nearly six times the rate of whites, while Latinos comprise about 20% of all inmates. In 1980, there were about 40,000 people in American jails and prisons for drug crimes. Today, there are almost 500,000.The ACLU of Maryland advocates for humane and sensible policies that respect basic rights, seek to end racial profiling and make the best use of limited resources to help keep us safe.And then join the conversation by attending one or more of our upcoming events:
Daily Record shines light on threat to due process for poor people
Today, the ACLU of Maryland is highlighting an article from the Maryland Daily Record that gives a much-needed spotlight on legislation moving quickly through the General Assembly that is an assault on the constitutional due process rights of the poor and minorities. House Bill 153 would deny the constitutional right to representation by the Office of the Public Defender to an indigent individual after the conclusion of the bail hearing, forcing the OPD to go through the unnecessary and wasteful process of re-qualifying someone.
Historic Passage of Death Penalty Repeal in Maryland
Originally posted at Moving Maryland Forward Network
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