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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

Webinar

Campaigns to Eliminate Federal Drug Felony Welfare Ban

October 14, 2014

The Sentencing Project hosted a webinar that highlighted the political & communications strategies in states that have achieved recent reforms in eliminating the federal welfare ban.

Related to: Collateral Consequences, Drug Policy, Federal Advocacy

This webinar highlighted the political and communications strategies in states that have achieved recent reforms in eliminating the federal drug felony welfare ban.

Related Resources

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Press Release

Locked Away for Life: New Report from The Sentencing Project Unveils Alarming Data on Long-Term Imprisonment

Report reveals 68% increase in people serving life without parole since 2003, the largest number ever.

January 8, 2025

Report

A Matter of Life: The Scope and Impact of Life and Long Term Imprisonment in the United States

One in six people in prison – nearly 200,000 people nationwide – are serving life sentences. This comprehensive 50-state report examines the prevalence and implications of life sentences across the country, highlighting the disproportionate impact of such extreme sentences on people of color and the inefficacy of punitive measures in improving community safety.

By Ashley Nellis and Celeste Barry on January 8, 2025

Newsletter

Top Trends in Criminal Legal Reform, 2024

Learn about key criminal legal reforms formerly incarcerated activists, lawmakers, and advocates took to challenge mass incarceration in at least 9 states in 2024.

By Nicole D. Porter on December 20, 2024