Kalief Browder

Kalief Browder was a young man from New York who was arrested at age 16 for allegedly stealing a backpack. Unable to afford bail, he spent about three years in Rikers Island jail awaiting trial, mostly in solitary confinement. His case was ultimately dismissed, but he suffered immense psychological harm from his prolonged detention. Browder’s story drew widespread attention to systemic issues in the criminal justice system, particularly the dangers of pretrial detention and the neglect of mental health. His case helped spark reforms aimed at reducing the use of solitary confinement and improving justice system practices.