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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

Voting in Jails Webinar

August 17, 2022

Former and current corrections officials from Illinois and Texas, and the first incarcerated person to win election in Washington, DC, discussed best practices to support voting while incarcerated.

Related to: Voting Rights, Collateral Consequences

Former and current corrections officials from Illinois and Texas, and the first incarcerated person to win election in Washington, DC, discussed best practices to support voting while incarcerated.

Panelists:

Durrel Douglas – The Sentencing Project

Major Phillip Bosquez – Harris County Sheriff’s Office

Joel Castón – elected to local office in Washington, DC while surviving a life sentence, Justice Policy Institute Fellow, and author of “Currency Catchers: Investment Curriculum Beginner’s Series”

Dr. Nneka Jones Tapia – author of Chicago Beyond’s “Do I Have the Right to Feel Safe?”

Moderated by Nicole D. Porter, The Sentencing Project

Related Resources

View all resources

Webinar

America’s Growing Movement to Divert Youth Out of the Justice System

The Sentencing Project hosted a webinar highlighting the importance of diversion as well as strategies for states and localities to expand diversion opportunities and reduce disparities at this critical stage of the juvenile court process.

June 14, 2024

Webinar

Can Parole Be Rehabilitated?

The Sentencing Project hosted a national dialogue on whether the parole system can be "rehabilitated."

May 8, 2024

Webinar

Unlocking the Ballot: Using Data to Expand Voting Rights

The Sentencing Project hosted a webinar with academics and advocates to highlight how data and research are leveraged to advance voting rights campaigns.

April 25, 2024