Tag Archives: criminal justice language

Willie Lynch, On Language

Posted on December 28, 2017 by William Eric Waters, aka Easy Waters

I am a self-styled language cop, especially as it relates to criminal justice language, how it has been used not only to dehumanize and stigmatize people with criminal justice involvement, but also to control the narrative, how such people with … Continue reading →

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Words Matter: Another Look at the Question of Language, by Eddie Ellis, President, Center for NuLeadership on Urban Solutions

Posted on December 17, 2017 by William Eric Waters, aka Easy Waters

We need to be constantly reminded about this language: Words matter.  They shape perceptions and understanding, both of past and present events and of future possibilities and, therefore, future events.  Semantic and public acceptance of terms like “formerly incarcerated” or … Continue reading →

Posted in crime, Education, ezwwaters, Justice Chronicles, Osborne Association, Reentry | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

“The Justice Imperative” — The Key to Criminal Justice Reform

Posted on January 24, 2015 by William Eric Waters, aka Easy Waters

The Justice Imperative: How Hyper-Incarceration Has Hijacked the American Dream, is a book about the criminal justice and corrections system in Connecticut, but it is also a book about the criminal justice and corrections systems in the country, by the … Continue reading →

Posted in Justice Chronicles, juveniles, Life Sentences, parole board, Reentry, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Eddie Ellis and Criminal Justice Language

Posted on August 3, 2014 by William Eric Waters, aka Easy Waters

When I think of the life and legacy of Eddie Ellis, I think of his Criminal Justice Language Letter, a short, simple, but seminal letter that began to change the discourse in criminal justice, first in New York State, and … Continue reading →

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