In 2021, gunfire was the 10th leading cause of death in Tennessee, killing 1,569 residents or about 22 of every 100,000 people. It was the leading cause of death for those ages one to 18.
Continue readingHow Tennessee Judges Look at Defendants’ Ability to Pay Fees and Fines
There is little consistency to how Tennessee’s criminal courts weigh your ability to pay fees, fines, and other legal financial obligations.
Continue readingFour Ways to Improve Tennessee’s Criminal Fee and Fine Data Infrastructure
Basic questions about criminal justice fees & fines that current data can’t answer and best practices to collect better information
Continue readingCriminal Justice Fees & Fines: 11 Options for Tennessee Policymakers
There’s potential for policy change at many levels of government, but state law dictates most of the criminal fees and fines in Tennessee.
Continue readingHow Criminal Fees and Fines Fund State and County Government in Tennessee
Tennessee’s criminal justice system collects over $200 million in fees & fines each year, yet they play a small and shrinking role in the state and most county budgets.
Continue readingFees, Fines, and Criminal Justice in Tennessee
Even if not convicted, people charged with crimes in Tennessee often face substantial fees, fines, taxes, and other financial obligations.
Continue readingCrowded Jails and Prisons Raise COVID-19 Risks for Every Tennessean
Recent data show 46 Tennessee jails had more inmates than beds. Such close quarters make it hard to slow the spread of COVID-19 and could lead to new outbreaks among the public.
Continue readingWhat You Might Have Missed in the 2019 Legislative Session
Changes to TennCare, education, criminal justice, online sales tax, sports betting, and fiscal notes had significant budget implications.
Continue readingThe Budget in Brief: Summary of Gov. Lee’s FY 2020 Recommended Budget
The governor’s recommended Budget for FY 2020 totals $38.6 billion, an increase of 1.1% over estimates for the current fiscal year.
Continue readingCommunity Supervision, Prison Releases, and Recidivism in Tennessee
The cycle of supervision, release, and recidivism is a significant driver of Tennessee’s state prisoner population.
Continue reading