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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.
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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 Sentencing Project is a leading voice for criminal legal reform.
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Our Work

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Second Look Network

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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Changing laws and policies to end mass incarceration require a mass movement. Here are ways you can take action.
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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!
Research

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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

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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

Amicus Brief

Amicus brief urging Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court to abolish mandatory LWOP for felony murder

January 25, 2024

The Sentencing Project joined a brief urging the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court to find mandatory life without parole for felony murder unconstitutional.

Related to: Sentencing Reform, Racial Justice

“Felony murder” is a controversial legal doctrine that allows someone to be convicted of murder if they participated in a felony even if they did not kill or intend to kill someone. Over 100 people are serving life without parole for “felony murder” in Massachusetts. Most are people of color.

The Sentencing Project joined a brief urging the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court to find mandatory life without parole for felony murder unconstitutional.

Read the amicus brief here.

Related Resources

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Amicus Brief

Amicus brief urging Colorado Supreme Court to abolish mandatory LWOP for felony murder

The Sentencing Project joined a brief urging the Colorado Supreme Court to extend relief to people currently serving life without parole for felony murder.

September 11, 2023

Amicus Brief

Amicus Brief in Support of Extending Parole Eligibility to Late Adolescents

The Sentencing Project joined neuroscience, psychology, and youth justice scholars and nonprofits, in urging the California Supreme Court to extend sentencing allowances for youth up to age 25.

August 31, 2023

Amicus Brief

Amicus brief urging Pennsylvania Supreme Court to end mandatory life without parole for felony murder

The Sentencing Project joined a brief urging the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to find mandatory life without parole for felony murder unconstitutional.

July 13, 2023