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…
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…
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…
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.”
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.
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…
While a student with PCJP, Nina won a hard-fought appeal in California's First District Court of Appeal pertaining to juvenile culpability and the felony-murder law in California.
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.
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…
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…