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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.
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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 from Warren Allen on DC’s Safer Stronger Amendment Act of 2023

By Warren Allen

June 27, 2023

The Safer Stronger Amendment Act of 2023 would severely impact the Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act and diminish the opportunity for a second look.

Related to: Incarceration, Racial Justice, Sentencing Reform

The Safer Stronger Amendment Act of 2023 would enact regressive sentencing policies that are at odds with evidence-based sentencing reform. The bill would expand youth incarceration, lengthen sentences, and enact mandatory minimums.

The Sentencing Project’s Warren Allen testified before the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety of the Council of the District of Columbia to highlight how IRAA has shaped his experiences and how the Safer Stronger Amendment Act would weaken the opportunity for a second look.

Read Warren’s testimony here.

Related Resources

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Testimony

Testimony of Nazgol Ghandnoosh on DC’s Criminal Code Reform Commission

The Council of the District of Columbia should protect the Criminal Code Reform Commission, which strengthens DC lawmaking and helps advance the cause of justice, equity, and autonomy.

May 1, 2024

Testimony

Testimony on Michigan’s Second Look Sentencing Act

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

March 15, 2024

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