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."

Felony Murder: An On-Ramp for Extreme Sentencing – The Sentencing Project

Felony murder laws compel harsh decades-long–or life–sentences even when the person charged did not directly cause or intend loss of life.

sentencingproject.org

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 June 12, our Senior Research Analyst Josh Rovner will provide testimony to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights for a briefing on mental health care in juvenile justice facilities. You can watch next Friday's briefing, starting at 9AM ET: bit.ly/4xgNnVe

Our latest report provides an overview of the fundamental differences between the juvenile and adult criminal justice systems. sentproj.org/YouthCourtsVsAdultCourts

Youth Courts vs. Adult Courts: Why the Juvenile Justice System Works Better – The Sentencing Project

Despite their many flaws, juvenile courts are better for youth who break the law than adult courts.

sentproj.org

Today, Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed the Youth Charging Reform Act into law. This landmark legislation marks a significant step forward for a state long defined by some of the highest rates of youth charged as adults in the nation.

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...

Testimony in Support of Jail-Based Voting in New York – The Sentencing Project

sentencingproject.org

🎉 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.

Re-Punished for the Past: Criminal Records and Sentencing

YouTube video by thesentencingproject

youtube.com

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/

PA court ends mandatory life for 2nd-degree murder

The outcome could fundamentally change the lives of more than 1,000 people currently serving life sentences without the possibility of parole.

spotlightpa.org

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

Maryland’s missed opportunity on voting rights | COMMENTARY

Opinion: Maryland has made strides in advancing voting rights, but it’s next reform should be to extend the right to vote to people who are incarcerated with felony convictions.

bit.ly

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.

Alabama set to execute man who did not kill anyone

Unless Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey intervenes, Charles “Sonny” Burton, 75, will be executed Thursday. He is among thousands in America convicted under a controversial felony murder law.

nbcnews.com

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

Incarcerated Women and Girls – The Sentencing Project

The number of incarcerated women stands over six times higher than in 1980.

bit.ly

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:

Re-Punished for the Past: How Criminal Records Increase Prison Terms and Racial Injustice – The Sentencing Project

States are re-punishing people for past convictions, adding years or even decades to already long prison terms because of old convictions.

sentencingproject.org

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

Re-Punished for the Past: How Criminal Records Increase Prison Terms and Racial Injustice – The Sentencing Project

States are re-punishing people for past convictions, adding years or even decades to already long prison terms because of old convictions.

bit.ly

Had a great visit with @sentencingproject.bsky.social at “Inside Out” exhibition. So appreciate their work in the carceral space. @nicoledporter.bsky.social @ruckmanphoto.bsky.social @empearce.bsky.social

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

State Voting Rights Briefs – The Sentencing Project

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 len...

bit.ly

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