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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

Letter in Support of the Rhode Island First Step Act

By Nicole D. Porter

April 4, 2025

The Rhode Island First Step Act presents a critical advancement in ensuring fairness, dignity, and rehabilitation within Rhode Island's criminal justice system.

Related to: Sentencing Reform, State Advocacy

Senior Director of Advocacy Nicole D. Porter submitted a letter on behalf of The Sentencing Project to Rhode Island’s House Judiciary Committee in support of House Bill H5124, or the Rhode Island First Step Act, which introduces thoughtful and evidence-based reforms that create opportunities for meaningful sentence reductions, especially for elderly and terminally ill individuals, who pose minimal risk to public safety. By allowing for modifications to sentences and creating pathways to pre-release custody, Rhode Island acknowledges both the human dignity of incarcerated individuals and the fiscal prudence of prioritizing rehabilitation over prolonged incarceration.

Read the full letter here.

Related Resources

View all resources

Advocacy Letter

Sign-on Letter: Support Notification and Restoration of Voting Rights for Texans With a Felony Conviction

Advocacy, civil and human rights organizations urged Texas lawmakers to support legislation to restore voting rights to Texans on felony probation/parole and to notify people with felony convictions when their rights are restored.

April 23, 2025

Press Release

The Sentencing Project Applauds Governor Wes Moore Signing of the Maryland Second Look Act

Maryland's Second Look legislation creates a pathway for Marylanders to petition for a judicial review after serving at least 20 years behind bars.

April 22, 2025

Report

State Voting Rights Briefs

In 2024, four million Americans were banned from voting due to a felony conviction. The Sentencing Project is committed to expanding voting rights in every state and works with state partners to provide specific data on state felony disenfranchisement.

April 21, 2025