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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

Online Book Talk: The Case for Abolishing Life Sentences

February 27, 2019

Researchers and advocates discuss "The Meaning of Life: The Case for Abolishing Life Sentences, by Marc Mauer and Ashley Nellis."

Related to: Sentencing Reform, Incarceration, Racial Justice

Researchers and advocates discussed The Sentencing Project’s new book, The Meaning of Life: The Case for Abolishing Life Sentences, by Marc Mauer and Ashley Nellis.

The discussion was presented by The Sentencing Project’s Campaign to End Life Imprisonment. (www.endlifeimprisonment.org)

Find more information on The Meaning of Life here.

Presenters:

Ashley Nellis, The Sentencing Project

Marc Mauer, The Sentencing Project

Sam Lewis, Anti-recidivism Coalition (ARC)

Kerry Myers, Louisiana Parole Project

Related Resources

View all resources

Press Release

TOMORROW: Michigan Criminal Legal Reform Advocates to Hold Rally for Passage of Second Look Sentencing Act

Michigan State Capitol Building rally to also bring attention to Michigan Department of Corrections staffing shortages and aging prison population crisis.

November 11, 2024

Press Release

Michigan Criminal Legal Reform Advocates Plan November 12 Rally to Call for Passage of Second Look Sentencing Act

Michigan State Capitol building rally to also bring attention to Michigan Department of Corrections staffing shortages and aging prison population crisis.

November 4, 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