The Sentencing Project
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The Sentencing Project
@sentencingproject.bsky.social
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The Sentencing Project has been fighting for a fair & effective justice system since 1986.
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Despite crime rates hitting historic lows, 39 states increased their prison populations in 2023.

Our latest policy brief shows how states are undoing years of reforms that downsized prison populations: sentproj.org/americas-incarceration-crossroads
Graphic by The Sentencing Project featuring text that says 'Stop building prisons. Build community.' with illustrations of a prison on the left and a residential area on the right, emphasizing that 'PRISONS ≠ SAFETY.'
November 12, 2025 at 8:19 PM
sentencingproject.bsky.social
Join us tomorrow (11/6) at 1PM ET for The Sentencing Project's virtual Marc Mauer Racial Justice Award, where we will honor The Youth Art & Self-empowerment Project!

RSVP: sentproj.org/MauerRacialJusticeAward
Join The Sentencing Project for the Marc Mauer Racial Justice Awards Ceremony on November 6, 2025 at 1 PM ET to recognize Philadelphia's Youth Art & Self-empowerment Project.
November 5, 2025 at 8:22 PM
sentencingproject.bsky.social
Maine & Vermont are the only states that allow people in prison to vote but incarcerated voters in those states still face confusing absentee voting processes, and lack access to candidate information and key election dates.

The right to vote means nothing without real access! bit.ly/4nPzHf1
List of stats from Maine and Vermont incarcerated voters: 73% of incarcerated individuals surveyed said voting is important to them 49% of respondents said they did not know how to vote at their facility 55% could not access information about candidates running for office.
November 1, 2025 at 9:00 PM
sentencingproject.bsky.social
Maryland’s Second Look Act offers a path to justice—giving people the chance to petition for sentence review after decades behind bars.

Your voice matters. Learn how you can support second chances and the movement for fairer sentencing: bit.ly/3L9ZnnJ
October 31, 2025 at 8:56 PM
sentencingproject.bsky.social
As #YJAM2025 comes to an end, this week reminds us of the power of being United and Building a Better Future. Transforming youth justice requires collaboration across communities, policymakers, and systems. Together, we can create a future rooted in equity, safety, and opportunity. #UnitedForAction
Three individuals seated participating in a discussion, with laptops and phones in front of them, under the banner #YJAM2025 United for Action and atop a banner that says United and Building a Better Future. Logos of National Youth Justice Network and Coalition for Juvenile Justice are visible.
October 29, 2025 at 5:29 PM
sentencingproject.bsky.social
When youth lead, systems change. When youth are heard, communities heal. This #YJAM2025, we’re #UnitedForAction by centering youth voices.
Group of ten young people posing for a photo under text that says #YJAM2025 United for Action and text underneath that reads "United for Youth Leadership" with logos from the National Youth Justice Network and Coalition for Juvenile Justice, with the hashtag #YJAM2025 prominently displayed.
October 24, 2025 at 5:30 PM
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Our Executive Director Kara Gotsch joined The Legal Lens Show with Angela Reddock-Wright for a discussion on current challenges in sentencing and criminal justice reform.

Listen to the full podcast episode: bit.ly/4hqBbcP
The Legal Lens Podcast with Angela Reddock-Wright, Esq. featured The Sentencing Project's Kara Gotsch to speak about sentencing reform.
October 22, 2025 at 10:41 PM
sentencingproject.bsky.social
As federal efforts threaten justice reform, states are stepping up.

Our updated Second Look Movement report shows how second look laws are transforming lives—giving courts the power to revisit harsh sentences and recognize rehabilitation: bit.ly/3wzLEjk
Map of the U.S. highlighting states with Second Look sentencing laws, titled 'Growing Push for Sentencing Reviews Sweeps the U.S.', produced by The Sentencing Project.
October 21, 2025 at 2:07 PM
sentencingproject.bsky.social
OCT 23 @ 1PM ET: Join us for a virtual discussion on what we have learned and continue to learn from formerly and currently incarcerated people, advocates and changemakers, and Department of Corrections staff about accessing democracy during incarceration.

sentproj.org/voting-from-prison-webinar
Join The Sentencing Project for a webinar on "Voting from Prison: Lessons from Maine, Vermont, and DC" on October 23, 1PM ET. Announcement also features a man voting in a correctional facility.
October 18, 2025 at 6:47 PM
sentencingproject.bsky.social
Maine & Vermont are the only states that allow people in prison to vote but incarcerated voters in those states still face confusing absentee voting processes, and lack access to candidate information and key election dates.

The right to vote means nothing without real access! bit.ly/473A9Pc
List of stats from Maine and Vermont incarcerated voters: 73% of incarcerated individuals surveyed said voting is important to them 49% of respondents said they did not know how to vote at their facility 55% could not access information about candidates running for office.
October 12, 2025 at 5:18 PM
sentencingproject.bsky.social
OCT 23 @ 1PM ET: Join us for a virtual discussion on what we have learned and continue to learn from formerly and currently incarcerated people, advocates and changemakers, and Department of Corrections staff about accessing democracy during incarceration.

sentproj.org/voting-from-prison-webinar
Join The Sentencing Project for a webinar on "Voting from Prison: Lessons from Maine, Vermont, and DC" on October 23, 1PM ET. Announcement also features a man voting in a correctional facility.
October 10, 2025 at 7:25 PM
sentencingproject.bsky.social
This #YJAM2025, let’s stay #UnitedForCommunityInvestments and push for reauthorization of the JJDPA to ensure youth, families, and communities continue to receive the support they need. Stronger communities mean safer communities. #JJDPAMatters
October 7, 2025 at 7:25 PM
sentencingproject.bsky.social
It’s time our laws reflected what we know: young people serving long sentences grow up and deserve a second chance — not a lifetime behind bars.

Learn how you can support second chances and the movement for fairer sentencing: bit.ly/4nwZzvv
October 5, 2025 at 5:09 PM
sentencingproject.bsky.social
This October, we come together for #YJAM2025 under the theme United for Action – A Call for Unity!

We’re excited to highlight ways you can get involved thanks to our friends at National Youth Justice Network and Coalition for Juvenile Justice.

Here’s how you can take action: bit.ly/3IOZQLi
Image of teens playing basketball at an outdoor court with text that reads "October is Youth Justice Action Month" and a red button that calls for people to get involved
October 1, 2025 at 4:38 PM
sentencingproject.bsky.social
Our 2024 Annual Report highlights the impact our supporters helped create and the foundation it provides for the work ahead.

Read more in our annual report: sentencingproject.org/about/annualreportsfinances/
Cover image of The Sentencing Project's Annual Report for 2024, featuring a photo of The Sentencing Project's Antonio Gutierrez at the Civic Power Convening.
September 24, 2025 at 9:39 PM
sentencingproject.bsky.social
Attending CBCF's #ALC54 this year? Hear from our Senior Director of Advocacy Nicole D. Porter on the "Creating Wealth and Work in Local Communities" panel on Sept. 26 @ 10AM ET.
The Sentencing Project's Senior Director of Advocacy will join the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference as a panelist for a session titled "Creating Wealth and Work in Local Communities" on Friday, September 26th at 10:00 am ET. She will join Dedrick Asante-Muhammad of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies; Marshawn Wiley of Black Onyx Management; Nikitra Bailey of the National Fair Housing Alliance; Victoria Kirby York of the National Black Justice Collective; and Cynthia Roseberry of the ACLU.
September 22, 2025 at 1:25 PM
sentencingproject.bsky.social
TAKE ACTION: Congress is about to vote on dangerous legislation that would roll back hard-won reforms, harm youth, deepen racial disparities, and undermine democracy in the District.

Urge your lawmakers to protect kids: secure.sentencingproject.org/a/take-action-protect-dc-kids
Image of kids and teens at an outdoor basketball court/park with a call to action that urges Congress to Protect Kids!
September 12, 2025 at 9:53 PM
sentencingproject.bsky.social
We'll be joining local advocates at today's mark up session. You can watch the mark up session here: oversight.house.gov/markup/full-committee-business-meeting-81/
September 10, 2025 at 2:02 PM
sentencingproject.bsky.social
WEBINAR: Join us on Sept. 9 at 2PM (ET) for a virtual discussion highlighting the importance of improving justice system responses to youth gun possession

Register: bit.ly/4oODr0Z
On September 9, 2025 at 2:00 PM ET, The Sentencing Project will host a virtual discussion titled "From Punishment to Prevention: A Better Approach to Addressing Youth Gun Possession."
September 5, 2025 at 10:50 PM
sentencingproject.bsky.social
WEBINAR: Join us on Sept. 9 at 2PM (ET) for a virtual discussion highlighting the importance of improving justice system responses to youth gun possession

Register: bit.ly/4oODr0Z
On September 9, 2025 at 2:00 PM ET, The Sentencing Project will host a virtual discussion titled "From Punishment to Prevention: A Better Approach to Addressing Youth Gun Possession."
August 25, 2025 at 9:43 PM
sentencingproject.bsky.social
Our One in Five series offers a blueprint for ending racial inequity in incarceration and shifting towards more effective investments in public safety.

Check out the four-part series: sentencingproject.org/one-in-five/
Eliminating racial disparities in incarceration will require: 1. Addressing sources of inequality by limiting the socioeconomic disadvantage and marginalization resulting from a criminal conviction 2. Dramatically increasing investments in effective public safety programs. From The Sentencing Project's fourth installment of the One in Five series, "One in Five: How Mass Incarceration Deepens Inequality and Harms Public Safety."
August 24, 2025 at 3:04 PM
sentencingproject.bsky.social
We're deeply saddened by the passing of Judy Greene — a brilliant policy analyst, co-founder of Justice Strategies, and a steadfast advocate for criminal legal reform.

A mentor to many, including members of our staff, Judy’s wisdom and commitment to justice will continue to guide our work.
Judy Greene Judy Greene with The Sentencing Project's Bob Libal Judy Greene with The Sentencing Project's Nicole D. Porter and other advocates
August 17, 2025 at 6:39 PM
sentencingproject.bsky.social
Maine & Vermont are the only states that allow people in prison to vote but incarcerated voters in those states still face confusing absentee voting processes, and lack access to candidate information and key election dates.

The right to vote means nothing without real access!
List of stats from Maine and Vermont incarcerated voters: 73% of incarcerated individuals surveyed said voting is important to them 49% of respondents said they did not know how to vote at their facility 55% could not access information about candidates running for office.
August 14, 2025 at 6:48 PM
sentencingproject.bsky.social
The Sentencing Project's Sentencing Reform Counsel Liz Komar released the following statement: www.sentencingproject.org/press-releas...
Liz Komar, Sentencing Reform Counsel at The Sentencing Project issued the following statement: “This decision to attack the autonomy of Washington, D.C. voters isn’t about safety. Crime is down in the District. Homicides in the District fell by 32% in 2024 and are continuing to decline. Violent crime overall has decreased and is near historic lows. DC already incarcerates its youth at three times the national rate. So why does this Administration insist on ignoring reality? “Federalizing the Metropolitan Police Department, criminalizing unhoused people, and disparaging our youth, while cutting funding for services that address the root causes of crime won’t strengthen our communities. This order is about control and criminalization. It’s denying the will of Washingtonians who again and again have voted for a different vision of community safety – one rooted in evidence and oriented toward prevention rather than punishment. It will exacerbate racial inequality and worsen mass incarceration. We urge Congress to block this authoritarian attack on the District’s sovereignty and stop this abuse of power.”
August 11, 2025 at 5:10 PM
sentencingproject.bsky.social
The system isn’t working. It’s time for a better approach to address youth gun possession – rooted in evidence-based solutions that support our young people and keep communities safe.

sentencingproject.org/reports/from-punishment-to-prevention-a-better-approach-to-addressing-youth-gun-possession/
Infographic from The Sentencing Project showing statistics: Black youth are 15% of the U.S. youth population and no more likely than white or Latino youths to carry firearms — but represent 49% of juvenile court weapons cases. The graphic includes an illustration of a person holding up a scale with a gavel.
August 9, 2025 at 6:23 PM