Joneisha James 5/23/26 Joneisha James 5/23/26

(Audio-Blog) The legal system is not infallible: The Importance of clemency today

Clemency is one of the justice system’s most powerful tools for correcting excessive sentences, addressing wrongful convictions, and offering second chances. As public trust in the clemency process faces growing scrutiny, this piece explores why clemency must remain rooted in fairness, mercy, and justice, especially for incarcerated women and people seeking a meaningful path home.

Joneisha James 3/28/26 Joneisha James 3/28/26

Pennsylvania Supreme Court Ends Mandatory Life Sentences for Second-Degree Convictions

This is a big deal. It means many people who were given those sentences can now go back to court and ask for a new sentence.

Joneisha James 3/16/26 Joneisha James 3/16/26

Jensen v. Thornell TNC Response

A 14 year legal battle exposed deadly medical neglect in Arizona prisons. A court has stepped in, but the question now is whether real change will follow.

Joneisha James 2/12/26 Joneisha James 2/12/26

Restitution, Clemency, and the Price of Accountability

In theory, restitution is meant to prioritize accountability and repair over punishment. It was designed as a system meant to make people whole.

Joneisha James 1/19/26 Joneisha James 1/19/26

This MLK Day, Don’t Lose Dr. King’s Radicalism

As an organization committed to dismantling America’s carceral state, we return this MLK Day to Letter from a Birmingham Jail.

Guest User 12/10/25 Guest User 12/10/25

The Chill of ICE - The Federal Bureau of Prisons Isn’t Just in Crisis; It’s Actively Choosing Harm

Joneisha James 10/12/25 Joneisha James 10/12/25

FreeHer Vermont and The National Council Celebrate Major Victory: No New Women’s Prison in Essex

Essex, VT — The National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls and its Vermont chapter, FreeHer Vermont, are proud to celebrate a major victory for justice and community.

Joneisha James 10/10/25 Joneisha James 10/10/25

Prison Closures in California and Wisconsin: A Step Forward, But Not the Finish Line

Keeping it simple, let’s break this down….

Recently, both California and Wisconsin announced prison closures amid decreased occupancy, increasing costs, and the need to balance their states’ budgets.

On the surface, this appears to be progress.

Joneisha James 10/1/25 Joneisha James 10/1/25

The National Council Statement on FCC Delay of Prison Phone Cost Reductions

The National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls strongly condemns the FCC’s announced delay in reducing the exorbitant costs of prison phone calls.

Guest User 8/29/25 Guest User 8/29/25

Stopping Vermont’s $97 Million Mistake

In October 2022, a small group of Vermont prison abolitionists came together with a clear purpose: to stop the Department of Corrections from spending tens of millions to build a new women’s prison.

Joneisha James 8/20/25 Joneisha James 8/20/25

What about Roberta Bell or Vallia Friend - Who Deserves Clemency?

Recently, Ghislaine Maxwell, convicted as a key accomplice to Jeffrey Epstein, was transferred to a minimum security prison. That’s notable because Bureau of Prisons policy requires people convicted of sex offenses to be held at least in low-security prisons.

Joneisha James 6/27/25 Joneisha James 6/27/25

Esteras v. United States: The Supreme Court Gets One Right

On a day when the Supreme Court is issuing so many decisions that feel harmful and deeply misguided, an incarcerated member of The National Council (who has requested to remain anonymous) reflects on a June ruling in a new blog post.

Guest User 5/1/25 Guest User 5/1/25

Feds Have Billions—But Sick and Elderly Women at Carswell Are Left Hungry and Forgotten

Four slices of bread, a slice of cheese, some peanut butter, and a powdered fruit drink sound like the dream lunch for a six-year-old, but in fact, this is the Friday menu at the Federal Medical Center at Carswell.