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Closing Argument

Each week, Closing Argument will walk readers through the latest news and best links on one topic in the criminal legal system. Our goal is to make these complex issues digestible without sacrificing detail, context or nuance.

Former President Donald Trump, a White man in a red tie and navy suit, claps his hands as he walks off a stage during a rally inside an arena. He walks down a red rug between U.S. flags. In the background, there are signs that read "VOTE EARLY!" and hundreds of supporters sitting the stands.
Closing Argument October 26
The True, Massive Cost of Trump’s Mass Deportation Plans
Along with immense human suffering, deporting millions of people could cost billions and damage the economy, according to several recent analyses.
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A White man wearing a black T-shirt, a gray long-sleeved shirt and blue jeans, holds a clipboard with a voter registration form. A Black woman wearing a light gray cardigan and holding a black purse, points at the registration form as they stand at the entrance of a building. People are standing in front of them in a line.
Closing Argument October 19
Voting Rights Confusion Keeps Formerly Incarcerated People from Casting Ballots
Even when they’re eligible to vote.
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An image shows the silhouettes of six police officers standing on a bridge against a cloudy background.
Closing Argument October 12
Why Some Police Are Being Trained in Election Law
Despite a history of police disenfranchising voters, and recent voter lawsuits, some experts say learning election law may help officers this November.
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A person wearing a blue uniform and black messenger bag walks toward the entrance of a hospital with a blue sign that reads, "Virtua Health Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital."
Closing Argument October 5
Drug Testing of Pregnant Patients Is Discriminatory, Lawsuit Claims
The Marshall Project recently investigated how faulty drug tests at hospitals lead to pregnant women being reported to authorities and at times separated from their children.
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A dark-skinned woman, wearing a reflective safety vest, white T-shirt, blue jeans, yellow cap and gloves, takes items out of a tent located on a sidewalk. A camping chair, a backpack, a plastic bag and a water jug are in front of the tent. Two cars are parked next to the tent.
Closing Argument September 28
Unhoused People Have Property Rights Too
A recent Supreme Court decision spurred a crackdown on people experiencing homelessness. Here’s how some are still fighting back.
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Robert Roberson, a light-skinned man wearing a white prison uniform, looks through visitation room glass. A phone hangs on either side of the divider.
Closing Argument September 18
Robert Roberson’s Death Penalty Case Shows How Justice System Fails People With Autism
He was convicted in his daughter’s death. Those who believe he’s innocent argue his diagnosis helps explain how he ended up facing execution.
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A woman, who left her home because of intimate partner violence, stares outside a window at The Dream Center, a residential recovery facility, in Jackson, Tennessee, in 2023.
Closing Argument September 14
The Domestic Abuse Survivor to Prison Pipeline
Researchers surveyed people who kill their abusers. They found several complicated reasons why survivors end up in prison because of abuse.
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An aerial view of Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in Downey, California.
Closing Argument September 7
The Seemingly Endless Cycle of Reforms in Juvenile Justice
As Ohio considers closing youth detention facilities, recent efforts in other states have hit roadblocks.
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A group of people, wearing blue prison uniforms with the words "CDCR prisoner" on their backs, walk through a prison yard.
Closing Argument August 31
How Efforts to Cut Long Prison Sentences Have Stalled
Crime victim advocates and conservative groups are resisting moves to revisit “truth-in-sentencing” laws.
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Silhouettes of about 11 people stand in a line outside. An overpass bridge and parked cars can be seen in the background.
Closing Argument August 24
How a Drop in Border Crossings May Change the Presidential Campaign
The Democratic National Convention sought to address one of the party’s biggest weaknesses with voters.
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