This past year we have seen a growing movement to include people convicted of serious offenses in criminal justice reform efforts. While we acknowledge that we have a long way to go to end mass incarceration, we are proud to be a leading voice in pushing the national conversation towards a fair and effective justice system for all.
Our 2019 annual newsletter provides an overview of our efforts this year, which have included:
Documenting the growing number of states that have introduced legislation to scale back long-term sentences and building coalitions around ending life imprisonment
Reporting successful reforms in 19 states that have produced more effective, fiscally sound, and humane policies for people with violent convictions
Advocating on behalf of successful “Raise the Age” efforts in the juvenile justice system
Fighting for the fair and expedient implementation of the First Step Act passed by Congress
Working with state organizers to expand voting rights to people with felony convictions
COVID-19 has led state advocates to demand prison and jail systems decarcerate to stem outbreaks in facilities often challenged by poor conditions and overcrowding. Decarceration practices or calls for reform have been documented in at least 31 states and the District of Columbia to reduce health risks for incarcerated persons vulnerable to COVID-19.
“Misogynoir” against black female prosecutors, Alabama’s diversion programs confronts racial wealth gap, the struggle to correct a flawed police-use-of-force study, and more in Race & Justice News.
