Second Look Network
Ending mass incarceration requires taking a second look at extreme sentences.
Launched in 2023, the Second Look Network is a coalition of attorneys and mitigation specialists across the country providing direct legal representation to incarcerated individuals seeking relief from lengthy or unfair sentences. We provide a safe and confidential space for collaboration, training, support, and encouragement.
Criminological research showing the ineffectiveness of long sentences, coupled with remarkably low recidivism rates among those serving such sentences, has increased momentum for second look release. Legislative reform authorizing judges to review sentences, after a person has served a lengthy period of time, have been referred to as second look laws and more casually as “sentence review” hearings. The Second Look Network aims to harness the collective wisdom of practitioners through sharing effective litigation and mitigation strategies and resources in order to successfully bring more people home.
Our Impact
The Second Look Network is a critical step forward in the fight to end mass incarceration and safely bring more people home. The impact of this project is multi-faceted, and includes:
- Better equipped attorneys, who have the most up-to-date research, news, and legal strategies to successfully advocate for release.
- More knowledgeable and trauma-informed defense teams who will be able to provide mental health evaluations, reentry support and referrals to appropriate services upon release.
- New legal strategies to litigate in court, in places with no second look laws enacted, to bring about new and meaningful resentencing and parole opportunities for incarcerated persons.
- A community of support for our front-line defense teams who dedicate their lives to this important and difficult work to end mass incarceration.
The Network by the Numbers
256
Individual network members
102
Different organizations represented
30
States represented by members
40
Clients released by members
14
Trainings and workshops organized
24
Newsletters published
The Network by the Numbers
102
Different organizations represented
40
Clients released by members
24
Newsletters published
256
Individual network members
30
States represented by members
14
Trainings and workshops organized
Benefits to Second Look Network Members
Members receive a variety of support and services, including bi-weekly training events, access to an extensive online library of resources, communications and media support, and connections to local and national policy efforts to support the expansion and implementation of second look mechanisms.
A highlight of the Network’s 2023 activities was its first annual conference. Convening in the nation’s capital, over 100 professionals representing 40 different organizations from nearly 20 states attended an intensive two-day conference full of training sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. Attendees left the convening with new connections and learnings to take back to their organizations.
Learn more about the Network. Interested in joining the Second Look Network? Download the membership criteria to learn more. Click here to apply for membership.
I attended the inaugural Second Look Network Conference... As an attorney and passionate advocate in the field, this event left an indelible mark on my commitment to the cause. The energy and dedication in the room were palpable, creating an environment that was both informative and motivating. The diversity of topics covered throughout the conference was impressive. From media advocacy to trauma-informed interviewing and strategies for reshaping public perceptions about crime, each session offered a unique perspective and a wealth of insights. It was clear that the SLN had meticulously curated a program that addressed the multifaceted challenges faced by those working on behalf of incarcerated individuals… The collaborative spirit was evident, as like-minded advocates came together to share successes, challenges, and innovative approaches to our shared goals.
Featured Resources
The Second Look Movement: A Review of the Nation’s Sentence Review Laws
Legislatures in 12 states, the District of Columbia, and the federal government have enacted “second look” judicial review policies to allow judges to review sentences after a person has served a lengthy period of time.
