Decriminalizing Poverty
Session 2022: Key Budget Policy Choices
Comparing House, Senate, and conference budget proposals to the current budget House and Senate budget negotiators have submitted their proposed...
Fines and Fees Push People Further into Poverty, Exacerbate Racial Injustice in Virginia
New report illustrates problems stemming from court-imposed fines and fees, offers up “first-step” reforms Richmond, VA — Fines and fees,...
Set Up to Fail: How Court Fines & Fees Punish Poverty and Harm Black Communities in Virginia
Introduction The fundamental role that Virginia’s courts play to advance justice, treat people fairly, and promote rehabilitation is made complicated...
TCI Applauds Recommendations to Address Racial Injustice in Virginia Law
Commission to Examine Racial Inequity in Virginia Law Takes Up Major Criminal Justice, Education Remedies On Tuesday, September 23, 2020,...
Budget Priorities to Advance Racial Justice and Meet COVID-19 Challenges
Much has changed in Virginia, across the United States, and around the world since the General Assembly first adopted a...
Budget Matters: A Look at Police Spending In Virginia Localities
Racial injustice and unequal outcomes permeate our criminal justice system. A long history of discriminatory laws and practices—ranging from...
Ending the Cycle of Incarceration for Black Youth
This is a joint report of The Commonwealth Institute and RISE for Youth; co-authored by Gary Broderick and Valerie Slater.
From History to Harm: Fines and Fees in Virginia — and Who Pays the Price
A just society is one where laws are applied fairly and public systems help people and communities thrive. In Virginia,...
Justice from the Start: The Importance of Counsel at First Appearance
First published Feb. 7, 2025; last updated Jan. 19, 2026 Everyone, no matter their race or wealth, deserves a fair...