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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.
Featured Campaign

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.
Advocacy

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

Explore our work at the national, state, and local level to promote a fair and effective criminal legal system.

Second Look Network

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

Get Involved

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

50 Years and a Wake Up

America’s 50-year experiment with mass incarceration has been a profound moral and policy failure. Partner with us to end mass incarceration!
Research

Explore our publications, fact sheets, data & more.
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

Search important resources published by The Sentencing Project, including research publications, advocacy briefs, webinars, and more
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 in Support of Ending Extreme Sentences for Youth in Maryland

December 6, 2021

The Sentencing Project, the MacArthur Justice Center, the Juvenile Law Center, and others advocate for the end of extreme sentencing for youth in Maryland.

Related to: Youth Justice, State Advocacy

The Sentencing Project joined with partners at the MacArthur Justice Center, the Juvenile Law Center, and others who oppose extreme sentences for youth on an amicus curiae brief to end those sentences in Maryland and to require a finding of permanent incorrigibility under the Maryland Declaration of Rights during sentencing.

Read the amicus brief in Malvo v. Maryland here.

Related Resources

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Press Release

Maryland Youth Justice Coalition Statement on Youth Charging Reform Act Advancing in the House of Delegates

As Maryland lawmakers consider next steps, advocates urge House to act swiftly to protect youth and public safety.

April 2, 2026

Press Release

New Report Finds Restorative Justice Diversion Improves Public Safety and Victim Outcomes Compared to Juvenile Court

Analysis shows restorative justice results in lower reoffending rates, higher victim satisfaction, and more meaningful accountability—yet access remains limited nationwide

March 26, 2026

Report

Restorative Justice Diversion: A Better Way to Provide Meaningful Accountability for Youth

Restorative justice diversion programs deliver better outcomes for both victims and youth than the traditional juvenile court system—reducing reoffending, increasing victim satisfaction, and promoting meaningful accountability. Yet despite strong evidence, access to these programs remains limited nationwide.

By Richard Mendel on March 26, 2026