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Issues

Learn about our key areas of focus to end mass incarceration and promote racial justice.
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Racial Justice

Ending mass incarceration must include combating racial inequality and disparity.

Sentencing Reform

It's time to take a second look at extreme sentences.

Voting Rights

The criminal justice system shouldn't have a say in our democracy.

Youth Justice

We must end youth incarceration and provide all youth with the support they need to thrive.
Featured Campaign

Second Look Network

Ending mass incarceration requires taking a second look at extreme sentences. Learn more about our coalition of legal professionals providing direct representation to incarcerated individuals seeking relief from lengthy or unfair sentences.
Advocacy

The Sentencing Project is a leading voice for criminal legal reform.
Advocacy overview
Our Work

Explore our work at the national, state, and local level to promote a fair and effective criminal legal system.

Second Look Network

The Network serves, connects, and empowers legal advocates across the country to bring people serving excessive and unfair prison sentences home.

Get Involved

Changing laws and policies to end mass incarceration require a mass movement. Here are ways you can take action.
Featured Campaign

50 Years and a Wake Up

This year marks the 50th year since the U.S. prison population began its unprecedented surge. Partner with us to end mass incarceration!
Research

Explore our publications, fact sheets, data & more.
Overview
Growth in Mass Incarceration

The United States is the world’s leader in incarceration. Get the facts and statistics on trends in U.S. incarceration.

U.S. Criminal Justice Data

View state-level data to provide a snapshot of key indicators of mass incarceration's impact in the United States

Detailed Data Tool

Compare state-level incarceration data for youth and adults with this expanded data set

Resource Library

Search important resources published by The Sentencing Project, including research publications, advocacy briefs, webinars, and more
Featured Publication

One in Five

One in five Black men born in 2001 is likely to experience imprisonment within their lifetime. Our four-part “One in Five” series examines racial inequities in America’s criminal legal system, as well as highlights promising reforms.
- Glossary of Criminal Justice Terms

Advocacy Letter

Comment to the U.S. Sentencing Commission Regarding the “Career Offender” Guideline

February 3, 2025

The Sentencing Project submitted comments to the U.S. Sentencing Commission on proposed changes to the federal sentencing guidelines concerning individuals classified as "career offenders."

Related to: Sentencing Reform

The Sentencing Project submitted comments to the U.S. Sentencing Commission on proposed changes to the federal sentencing guidelines concerning individuals classified as “career offenders.” An individual is deemed a “career offender” under the Sentencing Guidelines if they are convicted of a crime of violence or a controlled substance offense after two prior felony convictions for those crimes.

Read full comments here.

Related Resources

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Fact Sheet

Toolkit for Fighting Mass Incarceration in the 119th Congress

Effective advocacy for federal sentencing, guaranteeing voting rights for persons completing felony sentences inside of prison and jail, and youth justice reform starts in your own community.

By Liz Komar, Olivia Naugle, Nicole D. Porter and William “Bill” Underwood on March 7, 2025

Fact Sheet

Why We Must Restore Voting Rights to Over 16,000 Marylanders

Maryland should strengthen its democracy and advance racial justice by re-enfranchising its entire voting eligible population.

By Rachel Dider-Jollie and Kristen M. Budd, Ph.D. on March 5, 2025

Press Release

New Report from The Sentencing Project Reveals The Hidden Eugenics History Behind America’s Harsh Sentencing Laws

“Habitual offender” laws first spread across the United States in the early 1900s as part of the eugenics movement, and many endure today in 49 states and the federal government.

March 5, 2025