James Ridgeway

James Ridgeway has been an investigative journalist for nearly 50 years. He currently writes for Mother Jones and runs the blog Solitary Watch, which deals with the politics of incarceration.

More from James Ridgeway

Letters from Inmates: Learning about Solitary Confinement

For inmates in solitary confinement, mail can be their only connection to the outside.

Report Blasts Conditions at D.C. Jail

Much has been written of late about the emergence of a bipartisan consensus on the need for criminal justice reform, encompassing both the White House and Congress.

After 43 Years in Solitary Confinement

Update, June 12, 4:30 pm: The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals has decided to continue the stay and block release until the State of Louisiana’s appeal is heard, but they have also granted an “expedited” status for the appeal.

Politics

An Inside Job Reaches Foregone Conclusions

A long-awaited audit of the use of solitary and other forms of isolated confinement in the federal Bureau of Prison (BOP) recommends minor reforms while affirming the overall legitimacy and efficacy of a system that holds more than 10,000 people in extreme isolation.