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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.

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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.
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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.
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The Network serves, connects, and empowers legal advocates across the country to bring people serving excessive and unfair prison sentences home.

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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!
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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.

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Compare state-level incarceration data for youth and adults with this expanded data set

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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

Amicus Brief

Amicus Brief in Support of Ending Felony Murder LWOP Sentences in Pennsylvania

October 29, 2021

In Pennsylvania, some 1,100 people are serving life-without-parole (LWOP) sentences despite never having intended to take a life. Pennsylvania is one of just six states that mandate LWOP for all individuals convicted of felony murder.

Related to: Sentencing Reform

In Pennsylvania, some 1,100 people are serving life-without-parole (LWOP) sentences despite never having intended to take a life. Pennsylvania is one of just six states that mandate LWOP for all individuals convicted of felony murder. This lifetime ban on parole eligibility, which effectively guarantees a person will die in prison, categorically violates the Cruel and Unusual Punishments Clause of the Eighth Amendment and the Cruel Punishments Clause of the Pennsylvania Constitution.

The Sentencing Project submitted the below amicus brief to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania on behalf of Marie Scott, Normita Jackson, Marsha Scaggs, and Tyreem Rivers.

We thank our legal counsel Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, the Andy and Gwen Stern Community Lawyering Clinic at Drexel University School of Law, and the International Human Rights Law Clinic at UC Berkeley School of Law.

Click here to read the amicus brief.

For an updated statutory analysis see our report, Felony Murder: An On-Ramp for Extreme Sentencing.

Related Resources

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Amicus Brief

Amicus Brief Challenging LWOP for 18-Year-Olds in Michigan

The Sentencing Project joined an amicus brief challenging mandatory life without parole sentences for 18-year-olds in Michigan.

December 2, 2024

Press Release

The Sentencing Project Applauds the Reintroduction of Second Look Legislation

The Second Look Act has the potential to dramatically decrease the federal prison population, which has grown from 25,000 imprisoned people in 1980 to nearly 158,000 today.

November 21, 2024

Press Release

TOMORROW: Michigan Criminal Legal Reform Advocates to Hold Rally for Passage of Second Look Sentencing Act

Michigan State Capitol Building rally to also bring attention to Michigan Department of Corrections staffing shortages and aging prison population crisis.

November 11, 2024