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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

Take Action: Tell President Biden Clemency Can’t Wait

Thank President Biden for granting clemency to people on CARES Act home confinement and urge him to bring people home from federal prison today.

How to Share Your Thoughts

Share your thoughts through this webform.

Sample Letter

President Joseph Biden
President of the United States of America
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, D.C.

Dear Mr. President:

I am writing to urge you to continue reuniting families this holiday season. Thank you for the mercy you have already extended to people on CARES Act home confinement. I ask you to continue to courageously use your clemency powers to bring deserving men and women home from prison.

A prison sentence doesn’t just punish one person. It condemns children, mothers, fathers, and spouses to spend their holidays inside prison visiting rooms trading the warmth of holiday at home for the chance to see their loved one behind bars.

You have the power to change that. You can grant commutations to people worthy of a second chance. There are many in federal prisons: people serving sentences for crimes far longer than they would receive today, elderly individuals struggling with illness and disabilities, and people who have served decades and no longer pose any risk to the community.

Make mercy and justice a defining part of your legacy. Lead with compassion and grant clemency to the many deserving candidates recommended by the Pardon Attorney this holiday season.

Thank you.