Jury Awards Don Cook $900K in Excessive Force Case
A federal jury found Arkansas State Police liable after a trooper shot Cook in the face with a beanbag round during a 2020 Capitol protest.
Arkansas Criminal Justice News
Coverage of criminal justice in Arkansas focuses on the court system, sentencing guidelines, corrections facilities and legislative reform. It explores the administration of law from the perspectives of prosecution and public oversight.
Recent news
November 5, 2026
Arkansas Seeks to End Judicial District Consent DecreeThe state attorney general moved to dissolve a 1991 order that created Black-majority judicial sub-districts in 21 counties.
October 30, 2026
Inmate Dies After Attack at Varner Unit PrisonA 32-year-old Arkansas inmate has died following an incident at the state prison in Gould.
October 30, 2026
Conservatives Concerned Launches Arkansas State ChapterThe national criminal justice reform network expands its reach with a new group focused on Arkansas policy.
October 26, 2026
Arkansas Supreme Court Rejects Fee Payment BlockThe court declined to expedite a request to stop payments to attorneys representing the Board of Corrections.
October 26, 2026
Arkansas Committee Debates Prison Reform ProposalsLawmakers are considering new bills to reduce prison population pressure and state correctional costs.
October 23, 2026
Arkansas Supreme Court Reinstates Murder Convict PetitionThe court directed a lower court to review if an inmate exercised due diligence in a missed filing deadline.
October 16, 2026
Arkansas Lawmakers Review Jail Reimbursement RatesState legislators are investigating funding levels and correctional staffing needs at county jails holding state inmates.
October 13, 2026
Arkansas Board Appealed Governor Power RulingThe state Board of Corrections requested that the Supreme Court overturn a ruling blocking a settlement on gubernatorial authority.
October 7, 2026
Arkansas Court Struck Down Whistleblower Act ProvisionThe ruling limits how employees can seek temporary job reinstatement through the state's whistleblower law.
October 7, 2026
Judge Upheld Arkansas Board of Corrections Law FirmA court affirmed the proper hiring of the board's legal counsel after invalidating a previous settlement agreement.
More in Criminal Justice
Regular subjects here include judicial proceedings, the state sentencing framework, developments in correctional oversight and reforms to bail requirements. It spans the entire state, from the capital to the rural counties. Sentencing trends and inmate population management are central issues that remain consistently under review. Policy changes within the prosecution system and prison capacity constraints often drive the news cycle in this field.