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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

Testimony

Testimony in Support of California Bill to Expand Voting Access to County Jails

June 17, 2024

California's AB 544 would provide grants to three counties to place polling locations in county jails and improve access for people detained to exercise their voting rights.

Related to: Voting Rights, Incarceration

California’s Assembly Bill 544, by providing grants to three counties to place polling locations in their county jails, improves access for people detained in county jails in California to exercise their rights to register to vote and to vote. This bill begins to address racial disparities in voting access and has important public safety implications. The Sentencing Project encourages its passage as a step towards voting rights for all.

Read the full testimony submitted by Senior Organizing Consultant Bob Libal before the California Senate Elections Committee.

Related Resources

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Press Release

Mixed Ballot Measure Results Constrain Criminal Legal Reform Nationwide

Voters across the country made pivotal decisions on a range of criminal legal issues.

November 13, 2024

Policy Brief

Voting Rights in the Era of Mass Incarceration: A Primer

As of 2024, 4 million Americans were prohibited from voting due to laws that disenfranchise citizens convicted of felony offenses. Voting rights vary by state, which result in a wide range of disenfranchisement policies.

By Nicole D. Porter and Jean Chung on November 1, 2024

Press Release

Nebraska Supreme Court Upholds Law Restoring Voting Rights to Thousands

Today, the Nebraska Supreme Court upheld the legality of Legislative Bill 20, which restores voting rights to Nebraskans who were formerly incarcerated and lost their right to vote upon their conviction, removing the two-year waiting period instituted by LB 53.

October 16, 2024