Ending Extreme Sentences
The Sentencing Project works at the state and federal levels to end extreme sentences and advance racial justice. We advocate for ending life imprisonment, capping maximum sentences, and reforming “felony murder.” We’re also working to free people who are serving excessive sentences by passing “second look” sentencing laws, including bills that create special resentencing opportunities for criminalized survivors, elderly individuals, and people incarcerated as young adults.
State Campaigns
The Sentencing Project supports advocacy efforts in 10 jurisdictions, including Oklahoma, Michigan, New York, and New England states, to advance sentencing reforms that promote community safety and reduce ineffective overreliance on incarceration. State campaign activities include coalition leadership, public event coordination, inside/out strategy support, strategic communications, and tailored research and data analysis.
Federal Advocacy
The Sentencing Project works to advance federal reforms that promote community safety, create second chances, and reduce the federal prison population. Our advocates strive for the full implementation of the First Step Act and legislation that would build on its success, as well as advise policymakers on evidence-based sentencing practices. Federal advocacy and education activities include coalition leadership with The Justice Roundtable’s Sentencing Reform Working Group, expert assistance to lawmakers, regulatory comments, and tailored research and data analysis.
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Building on the Success of the First Step Act
Tell Congress to support sentencing reformIn 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.
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Expanding Opportunities for Second Chances
Read our comments to the U.S. Sentencing CommissionThe 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.
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Ending Mandatory Minimums
Read Liz's Op-Ed opposing the HALT Fentanyl ActThe Sentencing Project defends against the creation of new mandatory minimum sentences and advocates for their repeal. Mandatory minimums played a key role in the explosion of the federal prison population in the 1980’s and 1990’s and lawmakers regularly seek to expand them despite evidence that they do not improve public safety. The Sentencing Project urges lawmakers to embrace evidence-based public safety policies instead.
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Improving Federal Prison Conditions
Read comment opposing changes to the Inmate Financial Responsibility ProgramThe Federal Bureau of Prisons is rife with well-documented corruption and abuse. The Sentencing Project advocates for more humane conditions throughout federal prisons. We urge the Bureau of Prisons to increase transparency and accountability and improve conditions of confinement through regulatory comments and advocacy letters.
Comments and Testimony
The Sentencing Project regularly testifies and submits comments in support of safer, more effective sentencing 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.
Support from The Sentencing Project transformed our campaign for survivor justice from a dream to a tangible reality. Without their support, we would not have passed the next major criminal justice reform in Oklahoma that also supports survivors of intimate partner violence. Thank you, The Sentencing Project team, for trusting your state partners and allowing us to flourish!
Get Involved
Changing laws and policies to end mass incarceration require a mass movement. Your voice is vital to making a difference to the individuals, families, and communities impacted by mass incarceration.
