Arizona Justice Project

Congratulations to Eddie who was granted a step down from Home Arrest to General Parole today. In granting this important step, the AZ Board of Executive Clemency recognized Eddie’s rehabilitation, growth, positive work-ethic, and support system throughout 25 years of incarceration (beginning at age 17) and while on Home Arrest. Eddie is a positive light and we are so proud of him and how far he has come!

Last week, the incredible Bryan Booker, who served 28 years in prison, stopped by the AJP office. Bryan regained his freedom just 1 year ago and has made incredible strides to rebuild his life. He remains a pillar of strength to men inside, including some of our AJP clients.

Bryan shared with us that while in prison, the book Manifest Injustice circulated on his yard and he and many others read it. This book was the true story of an AJP client who was convicted murder and the lawyers who fought for his freedom.

This work takes a village! Thank you, Bryan, for being inspired and inspiring others. Bryan Booker

Opening night of “The Exonerated” in Phoenix at the Black Theater Troupe Inc. Black Theatre Troupe

AJP Executive Director, Lindsay Herf, and Senior Litigation Counsel, Erin Murphy, got to attend tonight’s show with Doyle Williams, who served 53 years before regaining his freedom.

This play features true stories of six individuals from across the country convicted for crimes they did not commit and finally exonerated.

Highly recommend The Exonerated play at The Black Theater Troupe in downtown Phoenix - showing now through September 27th

Welcome to the AJP Team, Haley!!

Haley Epstein is the Arizona Justice Project’s 2026/2027 Larry Hammond Justice Fellow. This fellowship, generously funded by The Lodestar Foundation, honors the late Larry Hammond, who founded the Arizona Justice Project in 1998.

Haley earned her B.A. in Journalism from the University of Arizona and her J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law. At Santa Clara, she gained hands-on experience with post-conviction litigation as a member of the Northern California Innocence Project Clinic.

Returning to Arizona is a homecoming for Haley, bringing her back to where she began her academic journey. Outside of her legal work, Haley enjoys painting and finds happiness on the open road, often behind the wheel of her red Mini Cooper.

Please join us in welcoming Haley to the AJP Team!

Looking back to a year ago at this wonderful gathering of AJP staff, supporters, and friends which took place at Pinos Pizza Al Centro in Phoenix - a place frequented by our late founder, Larry Hammond. It takes a village and we have a great one.

Thank you to AJP’s summer law clerks, Aziza, Dahlia, Jenna, and Madison, for your dedication and persistence in reviewing cases, conducting research, brainstorming ideas, visiting clients, and being part of the AJP Team. We know each of you will make a significant impact throughout your legal career! You already have.

A great day in the office writing thank you cards to our amazing donors, which were beautifully designed by Freddie.

Thank you Doyle for talking with us about the re-entry process and staying positive and hopeful throughout. You are appreciated!

A very successful day at the Arizona Board of Executive Clemency, representing an individual who was granted parole after 29 years of incarceration and after first obtaining a very rare commutation of sentence.

Thank you to AJP Senior Litigation Counsel, Erin Murphy, and AJP Larry Hammond Justice Fellow, Alex Preissing, for their dedication and representation. Thank you also to our client’s wonderful family and to all who attended to support our client. He truly made significant efforts toward rehabilitation while incarcerated and we are grateful he will have a much-deserved second chance.

On this day, 161 years ago in 1865, Union soldiers arrived to Galveston, Texas to deliver long over-due news that all enslaved Black people were free. This news came more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed on January 1, 1863. The 13th Amendment, formally abolishing slavery in this county, was officially ratified six months later. 

Opal Lee, an American teacher, counselor and activist, is known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth” - a day to commemorate freedom, resilience, and achievement. In 2021, Juneteenth officially became a federally recognized holiday thanks to the tireless advocacy and dedication of Opal Lee and many others. 

We recognize this day to celebrate FREEDOM, to RECOGNIZE harm done in enslaving Black individuals in this country, and to continue our work to CORRECT INJUSTICES in the criminal legal system.

Resources: https://www.splcenter.org/learning-for-justice/juneteenth-meaning-freedom/ https://juneteenth.com/