Sign in

Joe Soss

@joesoss.bsky.social
673 followers 560 following 67 posts

Professor, U. of Minnesota. Social Inequalities, Politics, and Policy. Coauthor of Legal Plunder: The Predatory Dimensions of Criminal Justice press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/c…

PostsRepliesMedia
Joe Soss @joesoss.bsky.social · 13h
For anyone who's interested, The Debt Collective has asked @joshpage.bsky.social and me to lead an online session of its Jubilee School on Legal Plunder and tactics for fighting the injustices of criminal legal debt, Nov 17, 8-9 pm Eastern Time. Registration: debtcollective.org/event/jubile...
debtcollective.org
Jubilee School: Legal Plunder: The Predatory Dimensions of Criminal Justice
Predatory criminal legal practices have dramatically expanded since the 1980s, extracting billions of dollars from working-class Americans every year. In this workshop, Professors Joshua Page and Joe…
01610
Joe Soss @joesoss.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
My pleasure... and privilege
130
Reposted by Joe Soss
Will Jones @willpjones.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Let's not forget that Harvard's administration did not stand up until Harvard AAUP, @aaup.org, and @uaw.org acted first.
217142
Reposted by Joe Soss
Prisonculture @prisonculture.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
"After enduring months of anti-ICE protests at its bank offices, Citizens Financial Group is parting ways with two for-profit prison operators that oversee detention facilities for the federal immigration enforcement agency." www.bostonglobe.com/2026/07/17/b...
bostonglobe.com
Citizens Bank parts ways with two prison operators amid ICE protests - The Boston Globe
Citizens said the end of its relationships with GEO Group and CoreCivic was driven by changing financial needs of the two clients, not by protests.
121535515
Joe Soss @joesoss.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Essential reading by one of our best scholars of criminal legal governance, power, and politics. press.princeton.edu/books/hardco...
press.princeton.edu
Crime and No Punishment
How concentrated economic and political power in America protects elites and fosters violence of all kinds
064
Reposted by Joe Soss
Joshua B. Hoe @joshuabhoe.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
With respect, and this is NOT a defense of Trump (who I loathe), I know people who did decades of prison time for felonies and who now SAVE LIVES in their communities Trump is unrepentant, a bad person, and should not be President, but it has NOTHING to do with having felony convictions
2102
Reposted by Joe Soss
Mother Jones @motherjones.com · 06/06/2026
Every single refugee we've let in since December is supposedly fleeing white genocide.
motherjones.com
US accepts only white refugees for sixth consecutive month
The Trump administration is spending more than $100 million to fight the "emergency" of "white genocide" in South Africa.
631166501
Reposted by Joe Soss
Chloe N East (she/her) @chloeneast.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
here it is! www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPVR...
youtube.com
The Economic Cost of DHS Attacks on Immigrants
YouTube video by Economic Policy Institute
032
Reposted by Joe Soss
Mother Jones @motherjones.com · 11/06/2026
“Trump has used sports to his political advantage more than any president in recent history.” Political scientist and ex–soccer pro @julesboykoff.bsky.social on how Trump—like Putin before him—is the World Cup’s biggest winner.
motherjones.com
Sportswashed: FIFA's long love affair with authoritarians
Political scientist and ex–soccer pro Jules Boykoff on how Trump—like Putin before him—is the World Cup's biggest winner.
78340
Reposted by Joe Soss
Jamila Michener @povertyscholar.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
You already know about Mamdani, but do you know about the incredible work of the Union of Pinnacle Tenants? And why aren’t we telling that story? Who benefits when we onscure the power of ordinary people organized for change? www.pinnacletenants.org/about-us
pinnacletenants.org
About Us - Union of Pinnacle Tenants
115949
Joe Soss @joesoss.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
💯
030
Reposted by Joe Soss
David Kaib @davidkaib.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Relying on police issued fines to fund your city is a thing that gives cops tremendous unaccountable power in addition to ensuring revenue collection falls heavily on those with less to begin with.
532889
Joe Soss @joesoss.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Thank you! We are both so thrilled.
020
Joe Soss @joesoss.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
@vsapiro.bsky.social that's exactly the reason I tagged you. Crazy.
010
Joe Soss @joesoss.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
@vsapiro.bsky.social
100
Reposted by Joe Soss
Alondra Nelson @alondra.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
Thinking about the extraordinary legacy of David Rosner- historian, public health scholar, and one of the most important voices on how corporate power, industrial pollution, and structural inequality shaped American health and lives. 🧵
billmoyers.com
David Rosner | Guests | BillMoyers.com
David Rosner, a Professor of Sociomedical Sciences at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, studies how structural inequities impact
211641
Reposted by Joe Soss
Elizabeth Jacobs, PhD @elizabethjacobs.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
There is a statue of author Alex Haley in East Knoxville, TN. Knox County just removed Roots from all school libraries.
wate.com
Alex Haley’s “Roots” to be removed from Knox County Schools libraries
KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) — Alex Haley’s book “Roots” is included in an updated list of book titles to be removed from Knox County Schools libraries. The schools previously remove…
29936001939
Reposted by Joe Soss
Josh Page @joshpage.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
The revolving door between the private prison industry and DHS continues apace. CoreCivic, GEO Group, and the others are now more than just "partners" of the government. They are the government. #LegalPlunder
053
Joe Soss @joesoss.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
Thrilled to see this interview about #LegalPlunder that my co-author @joshpage.bsky.social and I did with Amna Akbar posted at @lpeblog.bsky.social
0148
Reposted by Joe Soss
Scholars Strategy Network @scholars.org · 05/05/2026
In our latest Member Spotlight, @joesoss.bsky.social shares how he used his book promotion tour to also build relationships with people in communities who could use his expertise in their push for criminal justice reform. scholars.org/features/mem...
031
Reposted by Joe Soss
Matt Zoller Seitz @mattzollerseitz.bsky.social · 03/05/2026
In 1979, Mattel sold toy Battlestar Galactica fighter ships that fired a tiny spring-loaded "torpedo." One 4-year old choked on it, and the entire line of torpedo toys was recalled and never sold again.
9879922742
Reposted by Joe Soss
Chris Uggen @chrisuggen.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
New in Criminology! Punishment as a racialized package of confinement, cash, and surveillance. By @ryanplarson.bsky.social , @robertstewart.io , @veronicalhorowitz.bsky.social, and some old guy. This detailed thread by Ryan show ‘n tells the story.
0145
Reposted by Joe Soss
Interrupting Criminalization @interruptcrim.bsky.social · 19/04/2026
Young artists aged 16-24 who have been directly impacted by criminalization/policing/punishment can apply for this residency & get $2500 to work on a creative project! Visit bit.ly/diyresidency26 to learn more. Please help us spread the word!
2026 Stevie Wilson DIY Young Artists Residency Design your own creative residency get $2500 to work on a creative idea or project applications due May 11
28890
Joe Soss @joesoss.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
I'm gonna need a follow-up essay
110
Joe Soss @joesoss.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
Wow, that piece is really something.
110
Reposted by Joe Soss
Catherine Rampell @crampell.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
HHS results even more horrific Share of HHS who say their political leaders "maintain high levels of integrity: 4.2% Share who have trust in their political leadership: 2.8% Share who are confident they can report a suspected violation of law/rule/reg without retaliation: 8.7%
10839270
Joe Soss @joesoss.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
See e.g., Clinton, Bill. 1992/1996. "We Will Put an End to Welfare as We Know It." Washington, DC: Democratic Leadership Council.
000
Joe Soss @joesoss.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
Great new article by @genevavalerie.bsky.social Highly recommended!
040
Joe Soss @joesoss.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
Many thanks to the brilliant @kbdphd.bsky.social for having @joshpage.bsky.social and me on her podcast, Disrupted. One of the best experiences I've ever had doing a podcast. www.ctpublic.org/show/disrupt...
ctpublic.org
Connecticut’s Clean Slate law and a look at predatory criminal justice practices
CT Public's Maysoon Khan gives us the latest update on Connecticut's Clean Slate law and two professors discuss the way the legal system takes resources from marginalized communities
011
Joe Soss @joesoss.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
‘Why Is This Happening to Us?’ Daily Number of Kids in ICE Detention Jumps 6x Under Trump. Advocates: ‘It’s only a matter of time before we see a child die.’ Immigration Attorney: “It’s an unmitigated horror show, and there’s no other way to put it.” www.themarshallproject.org/.../ice-kids....
themarshallproject.org
011
Reposted by Joe Soss
Inquest @inquest.bsky.social · 02/01/2026
'Legal Plunder' @joshpage.bsky.social @joesoss.bsky.social @uchicagopress.bsky.social is recommended in our Year in Books by Managing Editor @adammcgee.bsky.social as "innovative and refreshingly frank."
inquest.org
The Year in Books - Inquest
Inquest staff recommendations of not-to-be-missed decarceral books from 2025.
0102
Reposted by Joe Soss
Bolts @boltsmag.org · 31/12/2025
North Carolina raising the cost of products sold in state prisons by five cents is a significant increase to incarcerated workers who typically earn between forty cents and $1.25 per day.
boltsmag.org
North Carolina Prison Officials Raise Prices for Those Who Can Least Afford It
An increased markup on canteen goods adds to the financial burden on incarcerated people and their families, highlighting how prison systems squeeze them for revenue.
711051
Joe Soss @joesoss.bsky.social · 29/12/2025
"Police officers say drones are rapidly becoming a routine part of law enforcement.... [When] the Law Enforcement Drone Association... began five years ago, there were few police departments with drone units, Karr said. Now there are at least 6,000 programs nationwide." #LegalPlunder
000
Joe Soss @joesoss.bsky.social · 29/12/2025
"The use of drones has led to more fines, giving a revenue boost to city coffers. A Northern California city sent out police drones whirring 400 feet in the air this Fourth of July to hunt for people setting off illegal fireworks, and issued more than $300,000 in fines."
100
Joe Soss @joesoss.bsky.social · 29/12/2025
Good reporting on police departments' growing use of drones to automate and expand citation-based fines and surveillance. www.wsj.com/us-news/law/...
wsj.com
A Police Drone Might Be Behind Your Next Ticket
Law enforcement is expanding the use of remotely controlled drones despite concerns of civil liberties groups.
120
Reposted by Joe Soss
Fines and Fees Justice Center @finesandfeesjc.bsky.social · 17/12/2025
#ICYMI: Our Co-Executive Director Joanna Weiss sat down with the authors of Legal Plunder to explore how fines & fees: 🔹 Turn courts into self-funding revenue schemes 🔹 Act as a hidden tax on over-policed communities 🔹 Push families into impossible choices 🎬 Watch now: tinyurl.com/5fje5tcy
021
Reposted by Joe Soss
Jocalyn Clark @jocalynclark.bsky.social · 11/12/2025
The incomparable health & human rights leader Dr Mary Bassett has been terminated - a shocking move by Harvard bowing to pressure 🇺🇸 Read more & sign petition
thecrimson.com
Harvard Dismisses Director of FXB Center for Health and Human Rights | News | The Harvard Crimson
Harvard forced out the director of the François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights — another shakeup at a center whose programming on the Israel-Palestine conflict has been a flashpoint...
46836
Reposted by Joe Soss
Josh Page @joshpage.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
Thanks @bailproject.org for the interview! Cash bail does not just fuel injustice and compromise public safety. It also enables widespread financial extraction that harms families and communities and intensifies inequality. #LegalPlunder cc/ @joesoss.bsky.social
bailproject.org
Cash Bail Fuels "Legal Plunder"
Sociologist Joshua Page discusses how cash bail traps families in debt while feeding government and corporate profit.
032
Reposted by Joe Soss
Fines and Fees Justice Center @finesandfeesjc.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
Join us for a talk with Legal Plunder authors, @joesoss.bsky.social & @joshpage.bsky.social, exploring how our fines & fees system came to be & what it will take to dismantle it. In-person registration is closed — but there’s still time to join virtually! 🗓️ 12/3, 12 PM ET 🎟️ tinyurl.com/3bnpprvb
073
Reposted by Joe Soss
Josh Page @joshpage.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
If you're interested in hearing about my new book with @joesoss.bsky.social, Legal Plunder: The Predatory Dimensions of Criminal Justice, join us virtually this Wednesday for a spirited discussion with @finesandfeesjc.bsky.social.
052
Reposted by Joe Soss
Fines and Fees Justice Center @finesandfeesjc.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
Join FFJC Co-ED Joanna Weiss for a conversation with the authors of Legal Plunder, @joesoss.bsky.social & @joshpage.bsky.social, exploring how our fines & fees system took shape and what it will take to dismantle it. 🗓️ 12/3, 12 PM ET 📍 Online or at New York Law School 🎟️ tinyurl.com/3bnpprvb
042
Reposted by Joe Soss
Inquest @inquest.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
"Penal operations that isolate, deprive, and control do more than just warehouse; they make incarcerated populations productive by ushering them into projects that generate substantial public and private revenues." @joshpage.bsky.social & @joesoss.bsky.social on prisons & $$$
inquest.org
Indentured Citizens - Joshua Page & Joe Soss - Inquest
Making incarceration profitable—for both the state and corporations—generates untold hardship not only for incarcerated people but also for their families and communities.
0124
Reposted by Joe Soss
Josh Page @joshpage.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
Very much looking forward to this event in NYC with @finesandfeesjc.bsky.social. Please join us in person or online for a spirited discussion about Legal Plunder. cc/ @joesoss.bsky.social
044
Joe Soss @joesoss.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
Folks can join online as well!
030
Joe Soss @joesoss.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
If you're in or near NYC on December 3, I hope you'll join us for this important conversation. Free and open to the public.
170
Joe Soss @joesoss.bsky.social · 17/10/2025
The moral arc of The New York Groove is long, but it bends toward "a wicked lady sittin' by my side, sayin', where are we?" RIP Ace Frehley.
Picture of Ace Frehley in his signature makeup and outfit, holding a beautiful electric guitar
030
Reposted by Joe Soss
Jake Grumbach @jakemgrumbach.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
AOC has just officially become the top House fundraiser, beating out Hakeem Jeffries. Now lemme take a big sip of coffee as I look at the age distribution of donors to AOC vs Jeffries
Alexandria Ocasio Cortez
80000
60000
40000
20000
0
Bernie Sanders
200000
Number of Donations
150000
100000
50000
Elizabeth Warren
60000
40000
20000
01
25
50
Donor Age
75Hakeem Jeffries
40000
30000
20000
10000
Nancy Pelosi
100000
Number of
Donations
75000
50000
25000
Suzan DelBene
2000
1500
1000
500
25
50
75
Donor Age
24394391871
Joe Soss @joesoss.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
Just... wow
000
Joe Soss @joesoss.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
Important: @fwd.us just posted a nice short piece on how ICE agents are using bench warrants -- often for unpaid criminal legal debts -- as pretexts for raiding private properties and indiscriminately detaining residents. #LegalPlunder myemail.constantcontact.com/Unwarranted-...
myemail.constantcontact.com
Unwarranted: How the Criminal Justice System Expands ICE’s Reach
Email from FWD.us October 16, 2025 Just a Minute on Warrants Bad premises beget worse policies. Spend just a minute with us so that we can do better.     Mathieu Lewis-Rolland via Getty Images In the
061
Reposted by Joe Soss
Radley Balko @radleybalko.bsky.social · 15/10/2025
The Supreme Court’s majority right wing indicated in oral arguments that they think racism is over on the same day that the vice president defended the “I love Hitler” guy, and that the NYT reported that the current administration plans to accept only white, English-speaking refugees.
6747471796