‘Socially Acceptable Chains’

Imani Mfalme-Shúla

In Tennessee, criminal sentences can include more than 360 different fees and fines. Reform advocates say they can pose insurmountable obstacles.

Burning Up on Re-Entry

Tony Parker and Josh Smith

Knox County returns more former prisoners to jail than any of Tennessee’s other metro areas. Josh Smith is pushing local leaders to break the cycle.

The Defender

Mark Stephens and Eric Lutton

Mark Stephens is stepping down after 29 years of fighting for the poorest defendants in Knox County, both in and outside the courtroom.