Incarcerated

Unlocking Justice: Former Inmate Empowers Incarcerated Advocates Through Pioneering Legal Initiative

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — When Jhody Polk found herself serving time within the confines of a Florida prison, she stumbled upon a group of women whose stature seemed larger than life in the law library. Their confidence and mastery of legal jargon not only distinguished them from their peers but inspired Polk to embark on a transformative journey—learning the law from behind bars. These women, none of whom had formal legal training, had become adept at navigating complex legal waters, ultimately empowering themselves and others within the prison walls. Motivated by her experiences, Polk, who has … Read more

Federal Court Rules Indiana Must Provide Gender-Affirming Surgery to Incarcerated Transgender Woman

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Indianapolis, IN — A recent court ruling has spotlighted ongoing debates over transgender rights and medical care in the prison system. U.S. District Judge Richard Young ruled that the refusal to provide gender-affirming surgery to Autumn Cordellionè, a transgender inmate, is unconstitutional. Cordellionè, formerly known as Jonathan C. Richardson, is serving a 55-year sentence for the 2001 strangulation death of her 11-month-old stepdaughter. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) took up Cordellionè’s case, arguing that denying the surgery violated the Eighth Amendment, which guards against cruel and unusual punishment. They filed the lawsuit against the … Read more

Justice Triumphs: Man Wrongly Incarcerated for Decades Awarded $81 Million in Compensation

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Phoenix, AZ — After spending over two decades behind bars for a crime he did not commit, a Phoenix man has been awarded $81 million as compensation for his wrongful conviction. Wrongly accused of murder, the financial settlement marks a significant moment in his long battle for justice. The man, who was finally free from prison in recent years, had been convicted in the early 1990s. Originally sentenced to death, his conviction hinged on questionable forensic evidence and testimony that was later proven unreliable. The case against him began to unravel when new DNA testing … Read more

Illinois Man Wrongfully Incarcerated for Murder Receives $50 Million in Historic Jury Verdict

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East St. Louis, Illinois – A staggering $50 million has been awarded to an Illinois man who was wrongfully imprisoned for 22 years for a murder he did not commit. This substantial sum reflects not only his years lost behind bars but also his enduring resilience and battle for justice. The jury’s decision came after a week-long trial, concluding a deeply challenging chapter in the life of Serrano Walker, whose conviction for the 1994 slaying of a drug dealer in East St. Louis was primarily based on questionable evidence and a seriously flawed legal process. … Read more