In August, the 5th Circuit struck down a Jim Crow-era provision of the Mississippi Constitution that permanently disenfranchised Mississippians with certain felony convictions. The 2-1 opinion held that the provision violates the 8th Amendment’s prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment.

Paloma Wu of the Mississippi Center for Justice and Hannah Williams of Mississippi Votes join Marc Elias to discuss Mississippi's harsh felony disenfranchisement law, how it affects people on the ground and the innovative lawsuit fighting for these communities.

Support the work of the Mississippi Center for Justice and Mississippi Votes

Resources:

Alert: 5th Circuit Strikes Down Mississippi’s Jim Crow Era Felony Disenfranchisement Provision

Mississippi Votes' Rights Restoration page

Hopkins v. Horsemann Case Page

"The Supreme Court Allows a Relic of White Supremacy To Remain in Mississippi’s Constitution" by Rob McDuff

Felony Disenfranchisement, Explained

For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@democracydocket.com.

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