For better or for worse, pre-trial and immigration policy are influenced by narratives the media creates. That makes it critical for journalists to report accurately, ethically, and accessibly on pre-trial and immigration systems.

We are sharing these resources to help journalists better understand how pre-trial and immigration systems work — and the impact their reporting has on public opinion — so that journalists can better inform the public and hold our leaders to account.

General Media Resources

Dart Center Style Guide for Trauma-Informed Journalism
(from DART Center for Journalism & Trauma)

Media Guide: 10 Crime Coverage Dos and Don’ts
(from The Sentencing Project)

Pre-Trial Media Resources

Understanding Pre-Trial Systems
(from Advancing Pre-Trial Policy & Research)

Glossary of Pre-Trial Words
(from Advancing Pre-Trial Policy & Research)

Using People-First Language in Reporting
(from Advancing Pre-Trial Policy & Research)

Immigration Media Resources

TRAC Immigration Glossary
(from TRAC at Syracuse University)

TRAC Immigration Tools
(from TRAC at Syracuse University)

Reimagining Immigration News
(from Define American)