Criminal Justice Law Reform

For decades, the ACLU of Massachusetts has worked for criminal justice law reforms to end our reliance on incarceration, eliminate racial disparities in the system, and reinvest in public health and human needs.

Yellow graphic with blue image of a court room. .In the center left there is a gavel, and on the right is an image of handcuff being broken open.

We’re fighting for a justice system that will put an end to mass incarceration, eliminate racial disparities, decriminalize substance use disorders, and stop excessive punishments.

As a matter of principle, the ACLU also believes the death penalty is inherently wrong. Capital punishment violates our most basic principles of due process and equal protection. For these reasons, we pledge to keep defending the ban on state-sanctioned executions in Massachusetts.

The Latest


Resource
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Smart Justice means a broad array of reforms

Resource
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Addressing opioid addiction: treatment, not jail

News & Commentary
Light blue collage with lady justice, and a red court room

District attorneys hold enormous power to advance racial justice. Here’s why your vote matters.

This fall, we must elect district attorneys in Massachusetts who will commit to using their power responsibly, fairly, and justly in order to confront racial disparities and bias in our criminal legal system.
News & Commentary
Maroon collage of various criminal justice items including handcuffs, a gavel, and barbed wire.

District attorneys should fight to reform mandatory minimum sentencing. Your vote can help make this happen.

This fall, we must vote with our values and demand that district attorneys in Massachusetts work to create a fairer criminal legal system for all.

Cases, Campaigns & Legislation


Campaign
Jul 2026

Surveillance Discovery Project

Model motions to help criminal defense attorneys identify and preserve information on police use of surveillance technology
Campaign
Jun 2026

The Road to Opportunity Act (H.3662 | S.2368)

Massachusetts should pass the Road to Opportunity Act (H.3662, S.2368) and end the practice of taking away driver’s licenses solely because of debts unrelated to dangerous driving.
Campaign
Feb 2019

Data for Justice

We can’t manage what we don’t measure.
Campaign
Jul 2026

What a Difference a DA Makes

District Attorneys have a huge impact on issues including incarceration rates, racial justice, and immigration. Learn more about what a DA does. (Hint: they answer to you!)