LATEST NEWS
Those who have the most to contribute to the justice system, who have experienced it for themselves, are least likely to be heard. Hear us now.
Fiji: Relational Systems Change in Action
We attended the 2026 Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting in Fiji to share our model for justice reform and to convene ministers inside a prison for the very first time.
Shifting Power Through Legal Education
Hosted by We Are One Humanity, Hamisi Mzari and Isaac Ndegwa share how expanding access to legal education in prisons can uphold human dignity, strengthen institutions, and advance meaningful justice reform.
What Legal Education Makes Possible Inside Prisons
Jimmy and Gilbert began their legal studies behind the walls. One incarcerated, one a prison officer. Both are now on the path to qualifying as attorneys.
When Prisoners Become Lawyers
After twenty years of working inside prisons, our founder reflects on a radical idea that has become a global movement: incarcerated people and prison staff becoming lawyers and transforming justice from within. A new CNN documentary now brings this vision to light.
“I always looked forward to proving society wrong.”
Meet Phionah. She is part of our unlikely community. Her commitment to justice led her to serve clients alongside fellow paralegals, both incarcerated women and prison officers.
Challenging parliament to improve sentencing guidelines for people with mental health conditions in Uganda
Challenging Uganda’s laws, Justice Defenders helped end decades of indefinite detention for people with mental illness, securing releases, treatment, and long-overdue legal reform.
A Vision for Justice Through Eyes that Have Cried: Strategic Litigation from the Margins
From prison yards to courtrooms, incarcerated and formerly incarcerated legal practitioners are using strategic litigation to reshape the law and expand justice for the defenceless.
A Visit to Uganda | A report by Lord Michael Briggs
When UK Supreme Court Justice Lord Michael Briggs visited prisons in Uganda, he encountered love, justice, and hope in one of the most unexpected places. Read his reflections in the full report.
A New Class of Defenders From Within
Meet the class of 2025: seven people in Kenyan prisons beginning their University of London law degrees this November. They will study from custody, following in Nelson Mandela’s footsteps. Get to know and journey with them.
Clients released during Kenya Judiciary’s review of sentences
In the midst of the COVID crisis, our justice defenders were able to continue their work amongst our communities contributing to the review process of the Kenya Judiciary to ensure equal justice for all.