Pennsylvania courts allow attorneys to argue against their convicted clients’ bid for justice. It has resulted in people spending years or decades in prison before being freed based on issues lawyers ...

Cities nationwide are turning away from juvenile institutions, noting widespread abuses. Philly has fallen behind.

Pennsylvania leaders have acknowledged the harms and abuses in juvenile institutions. Yet Philly remains a national leader in using them.

Five years ago, Philly DA Larry Krasner announced a policy overhaul, while city and state leaders proposed sweeping youth justice reforms. Those calls have faded and some policies appear forgotten.

From the start, the stated goal was to offer treatment and achieve rehabilitation. But, throughout, there have been allegations of abuse.

Cities nationwide are turning away from juvenile institutions, noting widespread abuses. Philly has fallen behind.

Pennsylvania leaders have acknowledged the harms and abuses in juvenile institutions. Yet Philly remains a national leader in using them.

Minors held in juvenile detention in Philadelphia are routinely locked in their rooms for days on end, in violation of state laws, the Philadelphia Youth Ombudsperson found.

The board’s confidential decision closes the case against Philadelphia Common Pleas Court Judge Anne Marie Coyle without any charges in the Court of Judicial Discipline.