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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

America’s 50-year experiment with mass incarceration has been a profound moral and policy failure. 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

Advocacy Letter

Comment to the U.S. Sentencing Commission on 2025-2026 Priorities

By Liz Komar

July 15, 2025

The Sentencing Project submitted comments to the U.S. Sentencing Commission on proposed priority topics for guideline amendments during the 2025-2026 amendment cycle.

Related to: Federal Advocacy, Incarceration

The Sentencing Project submitted comments to the U.S. Sentencing Commission on proposed priority topics for guideline amendments during the 2025-2026 amendment cycle. The Sentencing Project urged the Commission to consider changes to the guidelines involving “career offenders,” youthful individuals, individuals convicted of economic crimes, individuals convicted of drug offenses, and people sentenced to life imprisonment.

Read the comments here.

Related Resources

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Advocacy Letter

Letter to Pennsylvania House Children and Youth Committee in Support of Expanding Diversion

The Sentencing Project urges the passage of HB 144, which would expand access to diversion, requiring diversion when a youth is arrested for a first or second-time misdemeanor offense, with some exceptions.

By Olivia Naugle on November 17, 2025

Advocacy Letter

Letter to House Oversight Committee Opposing Extreme Sentencing Bills in DC

The Sentencing Project urges lawmakers to oppose extreme sentencing bills and other attacks on District home rule.

September 15, 2025

Advocacy Letter

Letter to House Oversight Committee Opposing DC Crime Bills

The Sentencing Project urges members of the House Oversight Committee to oppose bills that disregard evidence-based criminal legal reforms and other attacks on District home rule.

September 8, 2025