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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 Maryland’s Second Look Act

January 28, 2025

Maryland's Second Look Act (Senate Bill 291) could be an important tool in making meaningful opportunities for persons sentenced to the state's prisons.

Related to: Sentencing Reform, State Advocacy

Maryland’s Second Look Act (Senate Bill 291) could be an important tool in making meaningful opportunities for persons sentenced to Maryland prisons. The measure proposes a judicial review of sentences after serving 20 years. Reviewing the sentences of those incarcerated for 20 years or longer is a data-driven public safety approach. Currently, incarcerated people in Maryland can only petition courts for modification within 90 days of sentencing, severely limiting any potential sentence modifications.

The Sentencing Project applauds Maryland for considering Senate Bill 291 and encourages its passage as a step towards advancing second chances.

Read the full testimony submitted by Campaign Associate Warren Allen to the Maryland Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee.

Related Resources

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Testimony

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

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.

June 17, 2024

Testimony

Testimony from Ashley Nellis on Pennsylvania Bill Regarding Sentencing Reform Bill

Pennsylvania is one of only two states that requires life without parole (LWOP) for first and second degree murder.

May 30, 2024

Testimony

Testimony from Olivia Naugle on DC’s UPLIFT Act

Titles one through three of DC's UPLIFT Act would create more justice involvement and incarceration for youth in the city.

May 30, 2024