Mark Vander Laan’s second act: Litigation on behalf of Ohio’s prisoners
Written by OJPC Volunteer Lily Meyer The attorney Mark Vander Laan, who serves as the Ohio Justice & Policy Center’s Litigation Director, is not the firebrand I expected to meet. His demeanor is calm and thoughtful; he is a considered talker, given to weighing and...
How we can minimize harm and save lives during a pandemic
The Ohio Justice & Policy Center's recommendations to minimize the scale and spread of the new coronavirus in our criminal legal system Our list of recommendationsDownload Ohio’s leaders took swift action to contain the spread of the new coronavirus. Large...
OJPC office closed, March clinics canceled due to coronavirus concerns
The Ohio Justice & Policy Center has closed its office to walk-ins and has asked all staff to work from home for the rest of the month due to concerns over COVID-19 and guidelines set forth by city and state officials. All free legal clinics in March are also...
We’re ready to repeal the death penalty in Ohio
Originally published March 4, 2020 The death penalty is a failed public policy. The Ohio Justice & Policy Center is eager for the advancement of a new, bipartisan Ohio Senate bill that would end the practice of executions in our state. State Sen. Nickie J. Antonio...
A Discussion on Race & Justice with Yusef Salaam
Event Program:Download Click HERE for event page and registration (Already ordered your ticket and can't find your confirmation email? Search your promotional or junk folder.) Join OJPC at 7 p.m. on Nov. 18, 2020, for a timely discussion on race and justice with Dr....
Jan. 2020 Legislative Update
As we dive into a new year, here is an update on criminal-legal legislation at the Ohio Statehouse Compilation and analysis by OJPC's Policy Director, Kevin Werner Senate Bills Pending: Senate Bill 3 (Eklund-R, O’Brien-D) Express intent to...
What does human trafficking look like?
It’s not like “Taken.” Human trafficking often involves much more than a dramatic abduction.
More than my own worst mistake
Harvard Law graduate Michael Zuckerman could have taken a job anywhere after he completed his clerkship at the U.S. Supreme Court. So why did he choose to come to OJPC? Michael Zuckerman, Skadden Fellow, Second Chance Attorney I’m thrilled to return to OJPC as a...
New York Times: His Victim’s Sisters Said He Should Be Released From Prison. Now He’s a Free Man.
On Thursday, Angelo Robinson walked out of an Ohio jail. Mr. Robinson, 43, had spent more than half of his life behind bars and, until quite recently, he had no reason to believe he would get out anytime soon. Read the rest of Campbell Robinson's story on OJPC client...
Mia Hunter released from prison
Hunter, a survivor of domestic violence, was awarded clemency by Gov. John Kasich. On July 15, 2019, Thomia "Mia" Hunter was walked out of the Ohio Reformatory for Women. She was incarcerated for 15 years. "Thank you," Mia said, moments after walking out of the...