Advocacy
Oklahoma passed the Oklahoma Survivors’ Act, marking a victory for domestic abuse survivors across the state. This legislation allows those for whom domestic violence was a significant contributing factor to their offense to be resentenced, and allows those currently on trial to be moved to a new sentencing matrix that caps all penalties at 30 years.
Learn how The Sentencing Project supported the passage of this critical reform.
State Wins
Rhode Island Supreme Court Affirms Emerging Adult Sentencing Reform
Mario Monteiro, who has been imprisoned since age 17 and has already served 20 years, has gained the right to a meaningful opportunity for parole thanks to a recent Rhode Island Supreme Court ruling. The Sentencing Project joined with the Juvenile Law Center, the Gault Center, the National Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers, and Prison Policy Initiative in submitting an amicus brief in support of parole review at 20 years.
Building on the Success of the First Step Act
In 2018, Congress passed and then-President Donald Trump signed into law the bipartisan First Step Act, a sweeping criminal justice reform bill designed to promote rehabilitation, lower recidivism, and reduce excessive sentences in the federal prison system. The Sentencing Project advocates for the full implementation of the First Step Act and is working to build on its success with legislation that would further reform federal sentencing.
Expanding Opportunities for Second Chances
The Sentencing Project works to expand second chances at the federal level through legislation, such as the Second Look Act, and changes to the federal sentencing guidelines. The United States Sentencing Commission annually revises the federal sentencing guidelines to reflect research and stakeholder input. We regularly submit comments on proposed changes to the guidelines and recent successes include the Commission’s significant expansion of eligibility for compassionate release.
Join the Movement
The Sentencing Project and a coalition of advocates, experts, and partners launched a public education campaign, 50 Years and a Wake Up: Ending The Mass Incarceration Crisis In America. The campaign raises awareness about the dire state of the criminal legal system in the country, the devastating impact of incarceration on communities and families, and proposes more effective crime prevention strategies for our country.
Reform Agenda
The Sentencing Project offers technical assistance to federal policy makers to ensure that sentencing bills reflect research and best practices, and defend against regressive sentencing legislation and policies.
Comment on the U.S. Sentencing Commission’s Proposed Policy Priorities
The Sentencing Project submitted a comment to the U.S. Sentencing Commission on its proposed priorities for 2023 and 2024. The comment addresses the Commission’s duty to provide guidance to the Bureau of Prisons, potential changes to the sentencing guidelines for emerging adults and people who commit repeat offenses, diversion and alternatives to incarceration, and life sentences.
Legal Advocacy
The Sentencing Project’s research helps drive sentencing reform in the courts. Our research is regularly cited in litigation striving to end extreme sentencing and we partner with leading impact litigation organizations to file strategic amicus briefs.
Commentary by The Sentencing Project
Youth justice reform is a path to safer communities
Maryland lawmakers worsened criminal justice in three ways this year
Stop blended sentencing push to punish Tennessee children as both juveniles and adults
Racial Justice Fund Grants
In response to the murder of George Floyd, The Sentencing Project established a Racial Justice Fund (RJF) to support our state advocacy partners. Since 2021, we have funded 47 grants to grassroots organizations across 23 jurisdictions. These targeted grants provide our partners with the support needed to build their capacity and increase the scope of their impact.
