Adnan Syed and Progressive Prosecutors
Dear Friends, If you listened to the Serial podcast about the 1999 conviction of Adnan Syed for murder, you were probably left wondering how anyone could ever go to prison on such flimsy evidence. But despite significant public attention about the wrongfulness of his conviction, Syed remained behind bars until last week, when he was […]
Criminal Justice Reform Wishlist for 2022
Dear Friends, It’s time to take stock of the year behind us (buh-bye 2021!), and to make plans for the year to come. I know I’m wishing for an end to the pandemic and for the ability to spend in-person time with family, friends, and my students. I also am thinking about the innocent men […]
TEDx Talk is Live: No-Crime Wrongful Convictions Takes the Stage
Dear Friends, Happy Holidays! I am going to keep this short and sweet because I know how busy this time of year can be. I wanted to share the exciting news that my TEDx Talk about no-crime wrongful convictions — and what can be done to prevent them from happening — is now available for […]
Paperbacks, Podcasts and Presentations
Dear Friends, This proud book mama is writing to share the exciting news that SMOKE BUT NO FIRE has entered the world in paperback! I will continue donating all author proceeds to organizations that help people who were wrongly convicted get back on their feet after they’ve been released from prison — so buy your […]
One-Year Anniversary and Book Winners!
Dear Friends, August 4th marked the one-year publication anniversary for Smoke but No Fire. And what a year it has been! From podcasts to virtual speaking events, I have so appreciated the chance to shine a spotlight on no-crime wrongful convictions and the injustices that pervade our criminal legal system. I am equally thankful for […]
Book of the Year Award and Anniversaries
Dear Friends, I wanted to share some great news… SMOKE BUT NO FIRE is a Foreward INDIES Book of the Year Award Winner (Silver, Political and Social Sciences). I’m thrilled that the subject of no-crime wrongful convictions is getting a much-needed spotlight! If you want to help spread the word about SMOKE BUT NO FIRE, […]
Justice News from SCOTUS to a Wrongful Execution?
Justice News from SCOTUS to a Wrongful Execution? Dear Friends, The United States is the only country that allows children to be sentenced to life without parole (LWOP). But in the last 20-years, the United States Supreme Court had steadily limited the most severe sentences for children, including juvenile-LWOP. As I write in my latest […]
Raise a Smoke but No Fire
Raise a “Smoke but No Fire” to Celebrate Good News Dear Friends, I am thrilled to share the news that “Smoke but No Fire” won the 2021 Montaigne Medal, which is offered each year “to the most thought-provoking books…[that] illuminate, progress, or redirect thought.” What an honor to have “Smoke but No Fire” selected for […]
Chauvin Verdict and Policing
Beyond the Verdict Dear Friends, The conviction of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd was historic and significant. But one verdict alone will not bring about meaningful change and transformation. As one of my students so poignantly expressed “I am feeling relief, but not true joy.” There is still much work to be […]
March Mojo
Rain Can’t Dampen “Smoke but No Fire” Dear Friends, I’ve got one for you: Q: What falls during March but never gets hurt?A: The rain! If you live in New Jersey, you know what I mean (although today the sun is out and shining!). I’m writing to share the exciting news that “Smoke but No […]