The Sentencing Project

Today, the @sentencingproject.bsky.social released a new report I co-authored with Sabrina C. Pearce. Running with Conviction looks at the patchwork of laws governing whether people with felony convictions can run for state or local elected office. 1/5 www.sentencingproject.org/reports/runn...

This year, advocates have continued to advance meaningful reforms across the criminal legal system — from restoring voting rights to people with felony convictions and protecting young people from prosecution in adult courts to limiting extreme sentences. bit.ly/3UdBmkj

Our updated report with @sentencingproject.bsky.social examines the problem and outlines a path to reform. Read it here: www.sentencingproject.org/app/uploads/...

NEW: Updated report by @sentencingproject.bsky.social and @fjporg.bsky.social "The Sentencing Project and Fair and Just Prosecution recommend that all U.S. jurisdictions repeal felony murder statutes."

Thousands of incarcerated people are legally eligible to vote but have been blocked from casting their ballot. This widespread erosion of voting rights is driven not by laws, Bob Libal writes, but by a lack of infrastructure and misinformation. Here’s the solution: https://bit.ly/4wyVFXr

Join us for a discussion on June 25 at 2PM (ET) on why the juvenile justice system is better for youth than adult courts: bit.ly/4ey49Yu

Our Executive Director Kara Gotsch joined @fox5dc.com.web.brid.gy "In The Courts with Katie Barlow" to discuss our recent report on reentry and the barriers formerly incarcerated people face after long-term imprisonment.

🚨NEW: Incarceration is shaving years off people's lives. Research shows that older adults who have ever been behind bars have alarming health issues and are expected to live nearly 6 fewer years. The effects of incarceration follow people long after their sentences end. 🧵

On Substack, our Executive Director Kara Gotsch spotlights the work of the Connecticut Justice Alliance, an organization working directly with justice-impacted youth to teach them the power of political advocacy & community organizing. massincarceration.substack.com/p/beyond-the-backlash

Today, a growing number of people are returning home after long-term confinement because of our nation’s harsh sentencing laws. What’s it like to navigate life after decades in prison? Join us May 13 @ 3PM ET for a discussion on reentry after long-term imprisonment: bit.ly/4n4lDyb

Our Executive Director Kara Gotsch just launched a monthly newsletter examining policies driving mass incarceration and racial injustice, unpacks the real-world harm they cause, and highlights better solutions to community safety that prioritize fairness and human dignity. Read: bit.ly/3QC6eJz

Our new report highlights the experiences and challenges of 33 formerly incarcerated people released after decades of imprisonment in California, Colorado, Louisiana, Nevada, New York, Oregon and Washington, D.C, as they attempt to rebuild their lives. bit.ly/4sPvlGc

I'm hoping to (virtually) testify on behalf of @sentencingproject.bsky.social. No eligible New York voter should lose their voice in our democracy because they are behind bars. 🗳️ Jails should not be a democracy dead zone. My written testimony 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼 www.sentencingproject.org/testimony/te...

🎉 The Youth Charging Reform Act passed the House and is on its way to the Governor!! 🎉 This is an IMPORTANT first step in ending automatic charging in Maryland! A HUGE thank you to Sen. President Ferguson, Speaker Peña-Melnyk, Sen. Smith, & Del. Bartlett for making the YCRA happen.

WATCH: A replay of our webinar "Re-Punished for the Past: Criminal Records and Sentencing" is now available. The discussion examined the role of sentencing commissions and highlighted recent reforms in Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Washington.

Pa. Supreme Court strikes down mandatory life sentences for felony murder convictions https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/03/pennsylvania-felony-second-degree-murder-supreme-court-ruling-justice-system/

Join us for a discussion on March 25 at 2PM ET that will examine the role of sentencing commissions and highlight recent reforms in Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Washington: bit.ly/4lvmwiz

"Expanding voting rights is not about partisan politics. It is about belonging, dignity and the fundamental understanding that communities are strongest when everyone has a say," writes @nicoledporter.bsky.social. #UnlockTheVote

Join us for a discussion on March 25 at 2PM ET that will examine the role of sentencing commissions and highlight recent reforms in Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Washington. Register: bit.ly/4lvmwiz

NOW LIVE: the first three episodes of Before They Could Dream! In Episode 1, we hear from the host, Abd’Allah Lateef, about his childhood in Philadelphia as a shy, athletic boy and the circumstances that led him to being sentenced to life without parole.

This fact is not in dispute: Charles “Sonny” Burton, 75, has never killed anyone. But on Thursday, Alabama is set to execute him.

Research on female incarceration is critical to understanding the full consequences of mass incarceration and to unraveling the policies and practices that lead to their criminalization. The female incarcerated population stands over seven times as high than in 1980: bit.ly/3YkWnHn

A new report from @sentencingproject.bsky.social details how prior convictions can add years, even decades, to prison sentences without evidence of improved public safety. These enhancements fuel excessive punishment and racial disparities. Read the report and explore the path to fairer sentencing:

Maryland continues to send more youth, ages 14-17, to adult court – automatically based on the charge – than any other state except Alabama. Nearly 80% of youth charged in adult court in Maryland are Black. Marylanders, urge your legislators to pass the Youth Charging Reform Act: bit.ly/4kyFl43

Our newest report finds that across multiple states, criminal records account for a large share of already lengthy prison sentences, often adding years or even decades to sentences, without evidence of community safety benefits. Read more: bit.ly/3MQRO6K

In 2024, four million Americans were banned from voting due to a felony conviction. We're committed to expanding voting rights in every state & working with state partners to provide specific data on state felony disenfranchisement. bit.ly/3kGns8t

Maryland continues to send more youth, ages 14-17, to adult court – automatically based on the charge – than any other state except Alabama. Nearly 80% of youth charged in adult court in Maryland are Black. Marylanders, urge your legislators to pass the Youth Charging Reform Act: bit.ly/4kyFl43

Decades of mass incarceration have separated families. We need #CommunitiesNotCages to bring our people home where they belong. If you're in New York State, call your legislators NOW to eliminate mandatory minimums, grant a second look, and support transformation: bit.ly/CNC_action

Today, in a massive show of support, 1,025 organizations, including immigrant justice, human rights, civil rights, faith, and labor organizations, sent a letter to members of Congress to express horror, outrage & deep grief about the recent shooting deaths by federal agents in Minneapolis.

We're hiring a Research Consultant! Here are more details: bit.ly/4qEpVgM Apply or share with your network! Applications are due February 23, 2026!

Advocates behind the Washington bill say restricting incarcerated people from voting while they’re completing their felony sentences undermines the state’s constitutional values and perpetuates racial injustices imbued in the criminal legal system.

Today, we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy of leadership, service, and equality. #MLKDay

The Sentencing Project joined 400+ civil rights groups calling on Congress to rein in Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol through budget negotiations. Read the coalition letter ⬇️

MARYLAND EVENT: Join us at the Maryland Youth Justice Coalition's Youth Justice Lobby Day in Annapolis. 📍 Where: St. Anne's Parish: 199 Duke of Gloucester Street 📅 When: February 2, 2026 at 4PM RSVP: bit.ly/MYJCLobbyDay26

A group of Baltimore City youth have created art displayed throughout the city as a way to be a voice for their peers that challenges negative stereotypes and shares positive stories about the city's youth.

Research on the incarceration of women is critical to understanding the full consequences of mass incarceration & to unraveling the policies and practices that lead to their criminalization. The female incarcerated population stands over seven times as high than in 1980. Learn more: bit.ly/3YkWnHn