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.
Bipartisan momentum for clean slate and fair chance licensing policies—which remove barriers to economic opportunity for people facing the stigma of a criminal record—has grown significantly in the states in recent years.
With the U.S. Department of Justice beginning to collect data pursuant to the Death in Custody Reporting Act of 2013, Congress and state legislatures should take the initiative to ensure the dependability of the forthcoming data.
The automatic clearing of eligible criminal records can help to foster civic engagement and build a healthier democracy.
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.
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.
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.
Policymakers must take long-overdue action to undo intentionally harmful housing policies that discriminate against people with criminal records and perpetuate racial discrimination.
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.
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.
Civilian first responders are good for the public—and for the police.
Americans’ civil liberties are in danger if Congress does not ensure that ordinary people can hold state and federal officials accountable for wrongdoing.
The Biden administration can create a foundation for criminal justice reform efforts through additional executive actions.
The Biden administration can immediately act to begin renewing the federal government’s work to reform civil and criminal justice systems.
Progressive criminal justice policies fared well at the ballot box, with voters across the country approving critical reforms.
Policymakers may have concerns that comprehensive police reform would increase violent crime, but evidence from 10 jurisdictions runs counter to such a relationship.
