Clean Slate Is Critical for a Healthy Democracy
The automatic clearing of eligible criminal records can help to foster civic engagement and build a healthier democracy.
Criminal Justice
The Center for American Progress is dedicated to developing policies that (1) shrink the footprint of the criminal justice system while improving public health and safety; (2) promote equity and accountability within the justice system; and (3) provide opportunities for people directly impacted by a criminal conviction. The Criminal Justice Reform team’s work stems from principles of fair laws and enforcement of laws; just and proportional responses to crime; comprehensive investments in safety outside of the justice system; and data- and evidence-driven solutions.
How To Reinvest in Communities When Reducing the Scope of Policing
As cities reevaluate the role of policing, the bipartisan Justice Reinvestment Initiative offers lessons for cities on prioritizing meaningful investments in community-driven safety.
Assessing the State of Police Reform
How To Stop the Rush To Enact New Federal Criminal Penalties
What We Should Expect of the Police: Experts Weigh In On Recent Police Violence
A Call for Effective Emergency Management in Correctional Facilities During COVID-19
Justice in Reentry for Formerly Incarcerated LGBTQ People and People Living With HIV
Broad reforms and targeted services are needed to reduce the harms of incarceration for LGBTQ people and people living with HIV as they reenter their communities.
The Facts on Marijuana Equity and Decriminalization
It is time to end the federal criminalization of marijuana and right the wrongs caused by the war on drugs—especially for communities of color.
3 Ways the Biden Administration Can Give Second Chances to Justice-Impacted College Students
The Biden administration should improve policies around admissions, financial aid, and housing to ensure that people with criminal records have fair opportunities to pursue a college education.
Preventing and Removing Barriers to Housing Security for People With Criminal Convictions
Policymakers must take long-overdue action to undo intentionally harmful housing policies that discriminate against people with criminal records and perpetuate racial discrimination.
Advancing Gender Equity for Justice-Impacted Women in the Aftermath of COVID-19
Justice reform measures can help ensure that women with a criminal record are given a fair chance at quality job opportunities, and these reforms are needed now more than ever in light of the pandemic’s devastating impact on women.
5 Discussions That Shaped the Justice Reform Movement in 2020
While more must be done to shrink the footprint of the U.S. criminal justice system, the national dialogue around reform during summer 2020 has inspired transformative ideas and tangible policies that can be built on moving forward.
Introducing Community Responders: How To Dispatch the Right Response to Every 911 Call
Civilian first responders are good for the public—and for the police.
Qualified Immunity and the Bivens Doctrines Explained
Americans’ civil liberties are in danger if Congress does not ensure that ordinary people can hold state and federal officials accountable for wrongdoing.
3 Under-the-Radar Executive Actions for the Biden Administration’s Criminal Justice Reform Agenda
The Biden administration can create a foundation for criminal justice reform efforts through additional executive actions.
The Need To Rebuild the DOJ Office for Access to Justice
The Biden administration can immediately act to begin renewing the federal government’s work to reform civil and criminal justice systems.
Progressive Criminal Justice Ballot Initiatives Won Big in the 2020 Election
Progressive criminal justice policies fared well at the ballot box, with voters across the country approving critical reforms.
Violent Crime Rates Declined in 10 Jurisdictions Following Comprehensive Police Reform
Policymakers may have concerns that comprehensive police reform would increase violent crime, but evidence from 10 jurisdictions runs counter to such a relationship.
The Facts on State and Local Elections
State and local elected officials are the key to ensuring that significant reforms are made to the criminal justice system.
The Community Responder Model
Establishing a new branch of civilian first responders can help cities reduce overreliance on the police.