Criminal Justice Reform

From policing and sentencing, to the treatment of incarcerated people, the ACLU of RI seeks to reform the excessively harsh, unnecessary criminal justice policies and practices that result in mass incarceration, over-criminalization and ongoing inequality.

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Explore our work in justice reform in Rhode Island.

The Latest

Know Your Rights
Driving While Black in RI

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: What to Do if You're Stopped by Police, Immigration or the FBI

Regardless of your immigration or citizenship status, you have constitutional rights!
Know Your Rights
Driving While Black in RI

CONOZCA SUS DERECHOS: Qué Debe Hacer Si La Policía, Agentes De Inmigración O El FBI Lo Detienen

News & Commentary
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ACLU Files Brief in Support of Gun Owners Criminally Charged for Using Medical Marijuana

"Friend of the court” brief filed supporting a challenge to a federal law that completely bars unlawful users of controlled substances – including medical marijuana, which, though legal in Rhode Island, remains illegal at the federal level –– from possessing firearms.
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Home

Court Case
Oct 08, 2025

United States v. Worster

This "friend of the court" brief was filed to support a challenge to a federal law that completely bars unlawful users of controlled substances – including medical marijuana, which, though legal in Rhode Island, remains illegal at the federal level – from possessing firearms.
Court Case
Oct 23, 2024

ACLU of Rhode Island v. Salisbury Jr.

Court Case
Oct 17, 2024

Blackie v. City of Woonsocket

Court Case
Jul 03, 2024

DePina / De Los Santos / McLaren v. Salisbury, Jr.