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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

Thanks for sticking with us!

You’ll continue to receive research and advocacy updates, as well as information about events, newsletters, and other resources – so you can stay current on criminal legal reform efforts.

In the meantime...

Here’s what you might have missed in the last few months:

Media Advisory: Maryland Advocates Demand Voting Rights For All in Annapolis

Advocates and community members testifying on voting rights restoration

February 7, 2025

Testimony in Support of Restoring Voting Rights to People in Maryland Prisons

Nicole D. Porter testifies in support of Maryland House Bill 710, which includes several provisions to expand voting rights to persons completing their felony sentence inside of Maryland prisons and jails.

By Nicole D. Porter on February 7, 2025

House of Representatives Embraces Failed, Unjust, and Dangerous Drug Policies by Passing HALT Fentanyl Bill

HALT Fentanyl Act would expand extreme sentences, exacerbate racial disparities in the criminal legal system, and paralyze research into new medical discoveries to treat opioid use disorder

February 6, 2025

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