The Sentencing Project
Over 35 Years of Fighting for Justice
We advocate for effective and humane responses to crime that minimize imprisonment and criminalization of youth and adults by promoting racial, ethnic, economic, and gender justice.
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Key Issues
Learn about our key areas of focus to end mass incarceration and promote racial justice.
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Groundbreaking Research
Explore our trusted research on the U.S. criminal legal system. Get the data, compare state statistics, and search resources in our comprehensive digital library.
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Fighting for Real Change
Join us in the fight to advance policies that are rooted in research and promote humane and effective approaches to justice for youth and adults.
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Mission, Vision, and Priorities
See how we're advancing a more equitable criminal legal system that promotes the full inclusion of people with criminal records and puts an end to extreme punishments.
Learn more about our mission
Experiences
Amplifying Impacted Voices
John Pace
Sentenced to life in prison as a teen, John Pace spent 31 years behind bars before a Supreme Court decision brought him home. Now, he works to assist others who are coming out of prison and adjusting to life on the outside.
Monica Szlekovics
Monica Szlekovics was forced to contribute to crimes by her abusive husband, which led to her being sentenced to life in prison at 20 years old. In prison, she committed herself to personal transformation and her sentence was commuted in 2019.
Tevin Louis
In 2012, Tevin Louis was charged with felony murder after a police officer killed his friend. In 2021, Illinois narrowed the scope of its felony murder rule, but unless it’s applied retroactively, Tevin will have to serve a 52-year sentence.
Melody Brown
When Melody Brown’s husband was murdered, she never thought she would be able to forgive the man who killed him. However, she was able to find mercy and forgiveness, and even supported the man’s release under Washington, DC’s second look reforms. Now, she’s working at a local nonprofit to support formerly incarcerated people in the District.
Experiences
Amplifying Impacted Voices
Monica Szlekovics
Monica Szlekovics was forced to contribute to crimes by her abusive husband, which led to her being sentenced to life in prison at 20 years old. In prison, she committed herself to personal transformation and her sentence was commuted in 2019.
Melody Brown
When Melody Brown’s husband was murdered, she never thought she would be able to forgive the man who killed him. However, she was able to find mercy and forgiveness, and even supported the man’s release under Washington, DC’s second look reforms. Now, she’s working at a local nonprofit to support formerly incarcerated people in the District.
John Pace
Sentenced to life in prison as a teen, John Pace spent 31 years behind bars before a Supreme Court decision brought him home. Now, he works to assist others who are coming out of prison and adjusting to life on the outside.
Tevin Louis
In 2012, Tevin Louis was charged with felony murder after a police officer killed his friend. In 2021, Illinois narrowed the scope of its felony murder rule, but unless it’s applied retroactively, Tevin will have to serve a 52-year sentence.
Get Involved
Help End Mass Incarceration and Racial Injustice
Support our groundbreaking research, advocacy, and public education programs and help fight to end mass incarceration and racial injustice. Change needs to happen now–and together, we can make a difference.
As a seasoned advocate and expert in criminal justice reform, I've dedicated years to understanding and addressing the complex issues surrounding mass incarceration, racial injustice, and the criminal legal system in the United States. My expertise is grounded in extensive research, direct involvement in advocacy efforts, and a deep commitment to promoting equitable and humane responses to crime.
Throughout my career, I've closely followed organizations such as The Sentencing Project, which has been at the forefront of the fight for justice for over 35 years. The Sentencing Project is a reputable organization that advocates for effective and humane responses to crime, with a focus on minimizing imprisonment and addressing the criminalization of youth and adults. Their commitment to promoting racial, ethnic, economic, and gender justice aligns with my own values and expertise in these crucial areas.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts presented in the provided article from The Sentencing Project:
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Mission, Vision, and Priorities: The Sentencing Project is dedicated to advancing a more equitable criminal legal system. They aim to promote the full inclusion of people with criminal records and bring an end to extreme punishments. Understanding their mission provides a framework for the organization's broader goals and objectives.
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Groundbreaking Research: The organization conducts trusted research on the U.S. criminal legal system. Their comprehensive digital library offers data, state statistics, and valuable resources. Engaging with their research allows policymakers, advocates, and the public to make informed decisions based on empirical evidence.
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Experiences Amplifying Impacted Voices: The article highlights personal stories of individuals impacted by the criminal justice system, such as John Pace, Monica Szlekovics, Tevin Louis, and Melody Brown. These narratives humanize the consequences of extreme sentences, showcasing the need for reform and a second look at sentencing policies.
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Fighting for Real Change: The call to action urges individuals to join the fight for policies rooted in research that promote humane and effective approaches to justice. The emphasis on evidence-based solutions aligns with best practices in criminal justice reform.
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Get Involved: The organization encourages support for their groundbreaking research, advocacy, and public education programs. The call for donations underscores the importance of collective action in driving meaningful change in ending mass incarceration and racial injustice.
In conclusion, The Sentencing Project's work reflects a comprehensive and thoughtful approach to criminal justice reform. The organization's emphasis on research, personal narratives, and actionable steps for change resonates with my own expertise in advocating for a more equitable and humane criminal legal system.
