House Speaker Cameron Sexton introduced a bill that would funnel more kids into the adult criminal court system. Juvenile justice advocates are concerned it could have disastrous results.
Rutherford County’s juvenile detention facility is under increased oversight, yet still expanding its reach
Rutherford County’s juvenile justice system has come under fire for locking up kids at rates that surpass every other county in Tennessee. And it doesn’t just detain its own kids. The detention center contracts with counties across the state and charges a daily rate.
Problems at Tennessee DCS prompt advocates to call for reforms, with less emphasis on facilities
As Tennessee legislators eye reforms at the Department of Children’s Services, advocates are asking them to focus on family and community-based support, instead of expanding facilities.
Police shootings, executions on hold and guns in cars: WPLN’s top criminal justice stories
Tennessee’s criminal justice system has topped several lists this year — largely for lagging behind the rest of the country in reforms. WPLN’s Paige Pfleger picked three stories that defined the beat this year.
The board tasked with overseeing Rutherford County’s Juvenile Detention Center sets its sights on reform in the new year
The new oversight board tasked with reforming Rutherford County’s juvenile detention center met for the third time Monday. So far, the board has been trying to better understand the inner workings of the detention center.
What’s different for Nashville’s performing arts scene this holiday season
In this episode, we’re joined by musicians, vocalists and a representative from the Tennessee Performing Arts Center to talk about some of our city’s beloved traditions — from Christmas carols to the ballet.
Rutherford County is back in court over juvenile arrests, now fighting insurer to cover its payouts
Rutherford County is suing its insurance provider for refusing to cover its settlement in a large class action lawsuit over its unlawful policies for arresting and detaining children.
The Tennessee Supreme Court rules against mandatory life sentences for minors
Tennessee has an automatic life sentence of 51 to 60 years for homicides by juveniles, making it one of the strictest in the nation. No other state has a mandatory that high for a single offense.
Rutherford County’s new oversight board will focus on troubled juvenile detention facility
The oversight board tasked with reforming Rutherford County’s Juvenile Detention Center met for the first time this week.
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