Impact

An expansive approach to criminal justice reform

Change comes in many forms: local and national, incremental and sweeping. Instead of adopting a one-size-fits-all approach, the Deason Center works with stakeholders to tailor reform strategies, using research, advocacy, technical assistance, litigation, and public education to achieve positive change.

Litigation Update

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit affirmed a federal district court decision requiring that magistrations in Caldwell County, Texas, be open to the press and public. The Deason Center represents two of the plaintiffs, who sued Caldwell County after officials barred public access to magistration proceedings. The lawsuit seeks to reinforce that open courtrooms are a hallmark of the American judicial system and guarantee public access to crucial judicial proceedings.