Prison Journalists

A black-and-white illustration of a man alone in a prison cell with his left leg up on his bed, as light streams in from the windows.

Life Inside October 25, 2024

Life Inside, Remixed: Inside the Underground Economy of Solitary Confinement

Here’s how people in “the box” use their ingenuity, collaboration skills and a form of “fishing” to get the goods they need.

By The Marshall Project

$A magazine called News Inside set against a grainy grey backdrop. The cover says “When Wizards and Orcs Came to Death Row.” Light refracted through prison bars shines onto the magazine.$

News Inside December 7, 2023

More to Explore in Expanded News Inside

Issue 15 branches out with a special section for people incarcerated in Ohio.

By Lawrence Bartley

Three Black men sit in a chapel, next to a statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The man sitting in the middle wears glasses and a lime green polo over his dark green prison uniform. The two men sitting on either side of him hold a trombone and a saxophone, wearing jackets and slacks.

Closing Argument June 10, 2023

A Battle Over First Amendment Rights in Prisons

New York state tried to limit writings and artistic works from prisoners — illustrating a growing issue across the country.

By Beth Schwartzapfel and Maurice Chammah

A group of women in tan prison uniforms sitting in a room, watching a television show.

Life Inside April 7, 2023

What I Learned From a Year of ‘Life Inside’

Publishing personal essays about the criminal justice system can be as complex as the system itself, writes engagement journalist Carla Canning.

By Carla Canning

An illustration showcases Ryan Moser, who is currently incarcerated, floating and emitting a pink light while Desmond Meade points to him as he delivers an inspirational speech.

Life Inside February 25, 2022

The Genius Speech That Changed My Life

Words like “junkie,” “destitute” and “criminal” have applied to me at some point in my life. Hearing the formerly incarcerated voting rights activist Desmond Meade speak at my prison reminded me that my sky is full of stars, my heart is full of hope and my future is full of promise.

By Ryan M. Moser

Commentary October 5, 2015

Let the Press In

Society won’t fix a prison system it can’t see.

By Bill Keller