news
December 19, 2018
Commentary: Progress on justice reform closer
The First Step Act is an important milestone in the long road to ending mass incarceration and curbing the excesses and harm in the federal justice system.
news
December 18, 2018
Criminal justice reform doesn't end system's racial bias
Efforts still leave black men more likely to be arrested, sentenced and imprisoned for the same behavior
December 01, 2017
James Inge
James D. Inge is one of 300 individuals age 60 or older arrested between 1965 and 1980 that was sentenced to life imprisonment in Pennsylvania. Learn more about his campaign to give rehabilitated seniors serving life a second chance.
publications
December 14, 2018
The Sentencing Project Urges Senate to Oppose Cotton - Kennedy Amendment to the First Step Act
The Sentencing Project urges the Senate to pass the First Step Act without amendment #4109, introduced by Senators Tom Cotton and John Kennedy—which is designed to derail the legislation and weaken its rehabilitation incentive program.
news
December 13, 2018
State Advocacy News: Inside/Outside End Mass Incarceration Strategies
Establishing unifying policy platforms offer opportunities to raise public awareness about long-term prison sentences and the conditions that persons sentenced to life terms and others experience.
Christopher Poulos
When Chris Poulos was arrested, he experienced firsthand the difference that money can make in the criminal justice system. He recounts the experience in his own words.
news
December 12, 2018
Congress’s long-overdue passage of juvenile reforms a welcome step
Congress reauthorized the federal Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act for the first time since 2002. We urge President Trump to sign the bill.
publications
November 28, 2018
The Sentencing Project Calls on Congress to Pass First Step Act
In a letter sent to Senate and House leadership, The Sentencing Project urged Congress to move quickly to pass the sentencing reform measures in the First Step Act (S.3649) "to help create a safer, more equitable and fairer justice system."
Dorothy Gaines
Dorothy Gaines's life changed when Alabama state police raided her home for drugs. Police found no evidence of Gaines having possessed or sold drugs, yet federal prosecutors charged Gaines with drug conspiracy.
news
November 20, 2018
Policy Proposal: Instate 15-Year Maximum Wait For Parole Eligibility
Expedited parole consideration for people serving parole-eligible life sentences and the reinstatement of parole for all sentences would serve as a realistic challenge to mass incarceration and provide a better approach to advancing public safety.
news
November 09, 2018
The Sentencing Project Launches Campaign to End Life Imprisonment
Join The Sentencing Project & Public Welfare Foundation on December 4th for our campaign launch and release of The Meaning of Life: The Case for Abolishing Life Sentences.
Kemba Smith
At 24 years old, Kemba Smith was sentenced to 24.5 years in prison for conspiracy to participate in her boyfriend's drug activities, a non-violent, first-time offense. For years, her parents galvanized a tireless movement seeking clemency for their daughter.
news
November 07, 2018
State Criminal Justice Reform and the 2018 Midterms
Voters across the nation considered a number of criminal justice reform measures—ranging from voting rights to sentencing reform.
news
November 05, 2018
State Advocacy News: Retroactivity and Criminal Justice Reform
Voters decide on ballot proposals for retroactive sentencing and the restoration of voting rights to people with felony convictions.
Marlo Hargrove and David Waller
Marlo Hargrove and David Waller both successfully regained their voting rights after receiving felony convictions and serving their sentences.
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