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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

This year marks the 50th year since the U.S. prison population began its unprecedented surge. 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

Testimony

Testimony on Michigan’s Second Look Sentencing Act

March 15, 2024

Nazgol Ghandnoosh, Ph.D. submitted testimony before the Michigan House Criminal Justice Committee in support of the Second Look Sentencing Act.

Related to: Sentencing Reform, State Advocacy

House Bills 4556 – 4560, which would allow sentence reviews for those who have served 10 years or longer, are data-driven public safety reforms that would would help Michigan make a much-needed course correction. Almost one-third of Michigan’s prison population has already served at least 10 years—a higher proportion than the national average. Given that racial disparities increase with sentence length, House Bills 4556 – 4560 would also set Michigan towards a path of correcting the disproportionate imposition of lengthy sentences on its Black citizens.

Related Resources

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Testimony

Testimony from Josh Rovner to Maryland Senate Judiciary Committee on Youth Justice Reform

The Sentencing Project's Josh Rovner testified before the Maryland Senate Judiciary Committee in opposition SB 744, a bill that would roll back evidence-based recommendations for reform, limit the use of diversion, and negatively impact youth well-being.

February 9, 2024

Testimony

Testimony from Josh Rovner on Maryland Bill Concerning Youth Justice Reform

The Sentencing Project's Josh Rovner testified before the Maryland House Committee on the Judiciary in opposition HB 814, a bill that would roll back evidence-based recommendations for reform, limit the use of diversion, and negatively impact youth well-being.

February 8, 2024

Testimony

Testimony in Support of Second Look Legislation in Massachusetts

The Sentencing Project's Nazgol Ghandnoosh testified before the Massachusetts Legislature's Joint Committee on the Judiciary in support of proposed Second Look legislation.

By Nazgol Ghandnoosh, Ph.D. on September 26, 2023