Justice Reform

The ACLU of Delaware works to end mass incarceration and build fair and equitable policing and legal systems.

Smart Justice, Safer Communities

What you need to know

64.5%

Delaware has the highest recidivism rate in the country at 64.5%.

#2

Delaware has second highest incarceration rate in the Northeast corridor.

$80 billion

The U.S. spends over $80 billion on incarceration each year.

Our policing and legal systems should keep communities safe, treat people fairly, and use fiscal resources wisely.

Yet more people in our state and country are deprived of their liberty than ever before — unfairly and unnecessarily, with no benefit to public safety. From instances of police violence, to systemic inequities produced by overly-punitive sentencing laws and guidelines, to the barriers to jobs, education, and housing posed by a record — the devastating consequences of our harsh, ineffective, and costly criminal justice system have fallen overwhelmingly on low-income people and Black and brown communities.

Through public education, grassroots organizing, and legal action, the ACLU of Delaware takes a comprehensive approach to reform these systems at each and every level. We work to hold police accountable, protect the rights of those incarcerated, reform harsh sentencing laws, end unjust practices like cash bail, combat racial inequities, and push for investments in alternatives to policing and prisons.


 

The Latest


News & Commentary
Our plan to protect people, not power. Image of megaphone overlaid on top of images of protests.

Our 2026 Legislative Priorities

Our letter to the members of Delaware's 153rd General Assembly.
Resource
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Home

News & Commentary
KJ Congo

Probation Reform Can't Wait: Kenjuan “KJ” Congo Jr.'s Story

"Not being able to support my family in their time of need felt like being punished despite following the rules." Smart Justice Ambassador, Kenjuan “KJ” Congo Jr. shares her story about life on probation.
News & Commentary
Denise Dudley

Probation Reform Can’t Wait: Denise Dudley's Story

"Reflecting back on my probationary period, it felt like an endless process." During our Week of Action for Probation Reform, Smart Justice Ambassador, Denise Dudley, shares her story about life on probation.

Cases, Campaigns & Legislation


Court Case
Jun 6, 2025

Davis et al v. Neal et al

Violence by correctional officers isn’t just a moral failing – it’s unconstitutional. People living in prisons have the constitutional right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment. We're fighting a legal battle to shed light on and end a pattern of abuse at the Sussex Correctional Institution.
Legislation
May 15, 2025

Senate Bill 7: Probation Reform

Senate Bill 7 (SB 7) and Senate Bill 8 (SB 8) tailor conditions to the individual and limit the use of some existing standard conditions that create unnecessary barriers to successful re-entry.
Status: Signed by Governor
Position: Support
Legislation
May 15, 2025

Senate Bill 8: Probation Reform

Senate Bill 7 (SB 7) and Senate Bill 8 (SB 8) tailor conditions to the individual and limit the use of some existing standard conditions that create unnecessary barriers to successful re-entry.
Status: In Committee: Senate Finance
Position: Oppose
Court Case
Oct 11, 2023

Prison Healthcare