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Read more about the article PCJP Co-Director on KPCC: Sentencing Reform in California
News

PCJP Co-Director on KPCC: Sentencing Reform in California

Heidi Rummel, co-director of the Post-Conviction Justice Project and professor at USC Gould School of Law, discussed California’s prison reform efforts Sept. 30 on KPCC’s “Air Talk” with guest host Kyle Stokes and Eric Siddall, vice president of the Association of Deputy District Attorneys. Heidi Rummel, PCJP Co-Director Rummel talked…

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September 30, 2022
Read more about the article Our Incredible Visit to Paws4Life 
PCJP Director Heidi Rummel with students and clients at Paws For Life.
Featured / News / Students and Alumni

Our Incredible Visit to Paws4Life 

How our clients helped me conquer a lifelong phobia. By Jaana Singh (Gould ‘24) Jaana Singh (‘24) On August 1, 2022, my fellow summer students and I had the opportunity to visit California State Prison-Los Angeles County to learn more about the Paws For Life K9 Rescue Program. On the…

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August 14, 2022
Read more about the article “Shining Star” Norma Cumpian Makes News Fighting for Change
Clients / Impact / News / Students and Alumni

“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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July 1, 2022
Read more about the article Alumni Spotlight: Alisa Blair (’02)
News / Students and Alumni

Alumni Spotlight: Alisa Blair (’02)

Current Position: Special Adviser to L.A. District Attorney George Gascon. A native Angelino and mother of two, Alisa is now dedicating her life to improving the criminal legal system and demanding a more racially equitable society.

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June 15, 2022
Read more about the article Client who inspired reform wins release under law he championed
Clients / Featured / News / Victories

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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May 20, 2022
Read more about the article Taking the Lead
PCJP student meets with incarcerated person about rights under new juvenile justice laws
Clients / Impact / News / Students and Alumni / Victories

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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April 26, 2022
Read more about the article Compassion and Transformation
Celia Perez talking with Father Gregory Boyle
Featured / News

Compassion and Transformation

Former PCJP client and transgender rights advocate Celia Perez and Homeboy Industries founder Father Gregory Boyle shared stories of boundless compassion and healing before a captivated audience at Newman Hall on March 1, 2022. “Celia taught me that it was actually the power of kinship – loving herself and the…

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March 28, 2022
Read more about the article Pardon Granted!
Clients / News

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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January 27, 2022
Read more about the article From Hopeless to Free
Clients / News

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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June 23, 2021