Op-ed | What Do Alternatives to Incarceration Actually Look Like?
Restorative justice programs and other alternatives to incarceration can help prevent harm and promote healing, while keeping communities safe and reducing mass incarceration.
Federal Overreach in Criminal Law Exacerbates Racial Disparities
The Sentencing Project warns that the overreach of federal criminal law into local offenses disproportionately harms Black and Latino communities, and Congress has introduced legislation to limit federal prosecution of conduct already handled at the state and local levels.
Critics Denounce ‘Stop Illegal Entry Act’ for Extreme Federal Sentencing Expansion
The House of Representatives narrowly passed the “Stop Illegal Entry Act of 2025”, which would impose steep mandatory minimum sentences and potential life sentences on asylum seekers, teenagers, and immigrant families attempting to reunite, with critics arguing that it represents an extreme expansion of federal sentencing and would undermine public safety.
The Sentencing Project Releases New Fact Sheet Illustrating Negative Impact of Mandatory Minimums
By Julie McCaffrey WASHINGTON, DC – The Sentencing Project released a new fact sheet last week— “How…
On the Fourth Try California Finally Repeals Mandatory Minimums for Non-Violent Drug Offenses
By David M. Greenwald Executive Editor San Francisco, CA – If you thought ending mandatory minimums and…
House Overwhelming Passes the ‘EQUAL’ Act Which Would End Crack-Cocaine Sentencing Disparities
By David M. Greenwald Executive Editor Washington, DC – In a week where bipartisanship in Washington appeared…
Organizations Call on President Biden to Grant Clemency to Thousands on COVID Home Confinement
By Stephanie Boulos and Stacie Guevara WASHINGTON DC – Families Against Mandatory Minimums, the American Civil Liberties…
Key CA Committee OK’s Measure to End ‘War on Drugs’ Era Law Now Requiring Mandatory Prison, Jail for Nonviolent Drug Offenses
SACRAMENTO, CA – Mandatory prison and jail sentences for nonviolent drug offenses would end under legislation that…
Virginia Prosecutor Announces New Criminal Justice Reforms, Asks Lawmakers to OK
By Lauren Smith RICHMOND, VA – Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano announced a new sentencing reform…
Legislation Introduced That Would End Mandatory Incarceration for Nonviolent Drug Offenders
Under current law, certain drug offenses in California carry with them mandatory jail and prison sentences. On…
Justice Watch: Moving Back to Mandatory Minimums, Ferguson Effect, Murder Charges For Atlanta Police Office
California Moves Back to Mandatory Minimums in Response to Brock Turner This week the California State Legislature…
Eye on the Courts: Changing Landscape for the Judicial System on Death Penalty, Police, Incarceration
Federal Appeals Court Hears Arguments on the Constitutionality of California’s Death Penalty Last year, U.S. District Judge…
Eye on the Courts: Fixing Our Criminal Justice System
Last week, we reported on research from University of Michigan economics professor Michael Mueller-Smith who, upon examining…