Watch: Romarilyn’s Story featured in Now This

Now This featured the story and work of Romarilyn, former client of the Post-Conviction Justice Project at the USC Gould School of Law. PCJP represented Romarilyn in several parole hearings and on habeas corpus, eventually securing her release in 2011. In 2022, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued “a full and…

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“Shining Star” Norma Cumpian Makes News Fighting for Change

Former PCJP client Norma Cumpian, who came home in 2010, was recently the subject of a feature story in The Sacramento Bee. The piece describes Norma’s journey to freedom and beyond as “a case study in how America’s understanding of domestic violence and treatment of prisoners has shifted and how a mother’s love for her son came to motivate life inside prison and out.”

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Client who inspired reform wins release under law he championed

PCJP client Christian helped generate public support for PCJP’s efforts to reform California’s Youth Sentencing Laws In the late 1990s, when Christian was 16 years old, he was out riding his bicycle with a 19-year-old companion who was carrying a gun. The two became involved in a robbery of a…

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Read more about the article Taking the Lead
PCJP student meets with incarcerated person about rights under new juvenile justice laws

Taking the Lead

Through litigation and, most broadly, through legislation, PCJP has led the way toward hope for incarcerated youth. Since 2008, PCJP has written or co-sponsored nearly every juvenile justice bill in California.

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Pardon Granted!

We are so excited to share that on January 13, 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom issued “a full and unconditional pardon” to former PCJP client Romarilyn Ralston! The Governor recognized that Romarilyn has “transformed her life” and “dedicated herself to supporting and advocating for her community.” PCJP represented Romarilyn in several…

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From Hopeless to Free

Post-Conviction Justice Project changes lives of two clients By Lauren Rogers and Heidi Rummel Students in the Post-Conviction Justice Project, headed by Professors Michael Brennan and Heidi Rummel, recently won life-changing victories for two clients.  William and Jerome were both teenagers tried as adults and sentenced to die in prison (juvenile life without…

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PCJP client shares thoughts on gratitude and mindfulness

Former juvenile lifer client Louis shared his story for Homeboy Industries: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=181986496375414 "To be walking through that tunnel, with no light at the other side was, like, the worst feeling ever. All I know is my life was filled with hopelessness, fear and despair."

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PCJP client paroled and immediately detained by ICE

Cambodian refugee and PCJP client Tith Ton, 40, spent more than two decades in prison for killing a rival gang member. In December he was granted parole— approved by Gov. Gavin Newsom — but was immediately turned over to federal agents for possible deportation, reports the Los Angeles Times.

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