Advocacy
Michigan Bans Mandatory LWOP for People Under 21
Michigan’s Supreme Court ruled that mandatorily sentencing people under 21 to life without parole is unconstitutionally harsh and disproportionate punishment under the state Constitution.
Webinar: Fighting Mass Incarceration in the 119th Congress
The Sentencing Project released a federal advocacy toolkit with our key legislative priorities for the 119th Congress. We hosted a webinar for others to learn more about how they can take action to end extreme sentencing, expand voting rights, and promote youth justice. Federal advocates spoke about how to make an impact on congressional staff, the power of faith-based advocacy, the outlook for justice reform in Congress this session, and more.
Campaign to End Extreme Sentences
The Sentencing Project supports advocacy efforts in at least six jurisdictions – including Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, and Rhode Island – to advance sentencing reforms that promote community safety and reduce ineffective overreliance on incarceration. Campaign activities include coalition leadership, public event coordination, inside/out strategy support, strategic communications, and tailored research and data analysis.
Voting Rights for All
The Sentencing Project believes all eligible voters should have the right to participate in our democracy, regardless of their conviction or incarceration status. We support national, state, and local advocacy efforts to expand voting rights for people with any felony convictions.
Legal Advocacy
The Sentencing Project’s research helps drive sentencing reform in the courts. Our research is regularly cited in litigation striving to end extreme sentencing and we partner with leading impact litigation organizations to file strategic amicus briefs.
Racial Justice Fund Grants
In response to the murder of George Floyd, The Sentencing Project established a Racial Justice Fund (RJF) to support our state advocacy partners. Since 2021, we have funded 47 grants to grassroots organizations across 23 jurisdictions. These targeted grants provide our partners with the support needed to build their capacity and increase the scope of their impact.
State Wins
Rhode Island Supreme Court Affirms Emerging Adult Sentencing Reform
Mario Monteiro, who has been imprisoned since age 17 and has already served 20 years, has gained the right to a meaningful opportunity for parole thanks to a recent Rhode Island Supreme Court ruling. The Sentencing Project joined with the Juvenile Law Center, the Gault Center, the National Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers, and Prison Policy Initiative in submitting an amicus brief in support of parole review at 20 years.
Commentary by The Sentencing Project
Make the Second Look Act a key part of prison reforms
Youth justice reform is a path to safer communities
Maryland lawmakers worsened criminal justice in three ways this year
Join the Movement
The Sentencing Project and a coalition of advocates, experts, and partners launched a public education campaign, 50 Years and a Wake Up: Ending The Mass Incarceration Crisis In America. The campaign raises awareness about the dire state of the criminal legal system in the country, the devastating impact of incarceration on communities and families, and proposes more effective crime prevention strategies for our country.
