For Jerry Boatwright, freedom is a hammer, a paintbrush, and a chance to take care of his family after 3 decades in prison
Carla Crowder, Scott FuquaBy Carla Crowder, Executive Director and Scott Fuqua, Staff Attorney
Jerry Boatwright spent 34 years in an Alabama prison for a burglary conviction. He was supposed to die there. Instead, he’s home just in time to become the primary…
Forty years in prison for cannabis plants. Yes, we’re still doing that in Alabama.
Carla CrowderThis story is part of Appleseed’s “Cruel and Unusual” series, focusing on the people harmed by Alabama’s overreliance on excessive sentences, which trap people in deadly, dysfunctional prisons long after they have paid their debt.
By…
Fighting for parole for a son who is fighting for his life
Eddie Burkhalter, NewsAs their son recovered from multiple stab wounds and fractures suffered at Bullock Correctional Facility, Brian Rigsby’s parents had their hopes up that he just might find safety through parole. Here’s what happened instead.
By Eddie…
How an idea becomes a bill becomes a law: Looking back at the campaign to curb debt-based drivers license suspensions in Alabama
Leah NelsonBy Leah Nelson, Research Director
When Teon Smith and I got to talking at a June 2018 event for people who needed legal assistance, I think it’s fair to say that neither of us expected we were making an acquaintance that would change…
Why this report?
NewsAs victim’s rights week draws to a close, we would like to share a bit more about why we published Afterward, who we are, and what we hope will come next.
By Leah Nelson, Research Director
Alabama Appleseed has built a reputation…
Latest News
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- Less than one year into a short prison sentence, Wesley Abernathy is gone. He was only 31. July 23, 2024
- Welcome Summer Intern Katia Apedoh July 19, 2024
- In an overcrowded prison dorm with no correctional officers present, a beloved brother and son is killed, one of four deaths at Donaldson prison in three days. July 2, 2024
- Another death in an Alabama prison, another grieving family June 24, 2024
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