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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

Experiences

Jason Hernandez

In 1998, 21-year-old Jason Hernandez was sentenced to life in prison. In 2011, he received clemency. Today, Jason sits on The Sentencing Project’s Board of Directors and is a leading advocate for criminal legal reform.

Related to: Incarceration, Racial Justice

In 1998, 21-year-old Jason Hernandez was sentenced to life without parole plus 320 years for a nonviolent drug offense.

While incarcerated, Jason relied on TSP’s research.

“Reading TSP’s research gave me hope and inspiration. It was motivating to know that we [people serving life without parole sentences] hadn’t been forgotten,” said Jason.

In 2011, Jason prepared his own Petition for Commutation and became one of the first people to receive clemency from President Barack Obama. Following his release, Jason has helped nearly a dozen individuals receive clemency. He continues to petition the Biden administration for a full pardon.

Today, Jason sits on The Sentencing Project’s Board of Directors and is a leading advocate for criminal justice reform. He has launched numerous community service programs in his hometown of McKinney, Texas. He’s currently working with best-selling author Asha Bandele to publish a new book about the history and drivers of incarceration within the U.S. Latinx community.

Related Resources

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Experiences

Jay

Jay spent four months in the diversion program, operated by the Youth & Self-Empowerment Project, a community-based organization.

Experiences

Rochelle

Experiences

Trevor