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.
The 1994 Crime Bill Continues to Undercut Justice Reform—Here’s How to Stop It
Lawmakers who are considering what should follow the FIRST STEP Act, the federal sentencing and prison reform effort, must begin by reversing the infrastructure that the 1994 federal crime bill created.
Using Marijuana Revenue to Create Jobs
A Community of Recovery
Congress Must Reauthorize, Expand, and Improve VAWA in 2019
Infographic: President Trump Falsely Claims To Be a Criminal Justice Reformer
Reimagining Federal Grants for Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform
As the movements to end mass incarceration and police violence gain momentum, the U.S. government must overhaul its approach to funding criminal justice reform and public safety.
Eliminating the Pennsylvania Rule That Bars Incarcerated Students From Getting Financial Aid
In Pennsylvania, the good moral character rule blocks thousands of people in prison from getting state financial aid for college, and now is the time to eliminate it.
Restoring Integrity and Independence at the U.S. Justice Department
The next attorney general has a daunting task to rebuild the U.S. Department of Justice; this report contains recommendations from former DOJ officials who served in multiple administrations on how to start that important work.
A Call for Effective Emergency Management in Correctional Facilities During COVID-19
The safety and health of prison and jail populations must be prioritized to protect incarcerated individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic and future emergencies.
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
The nationwide protests following the senseless killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and other Black Americans have started to change how police are held accountable.
4 Actions Colleges Can Take To Address Police Brutality
Postsecondary institutions must take immediate action to help address the issue of police brutality.
How To Stop the Rush To Enact New Federal Criminal Penalties
Lawmakers should slow down the legislative process and get more information before voting on new criminal offenses.
Update to ‘News You Can Use: Research Roundup for Re-Entry Advocates’
This resource guide serves as an update to "News You Can Use: Research Roundup for Re-Entry Advocates," providing new information and links to additional criminal justice reform resources.
Advancing Clean Slate: The Need for Automatic Record Clearance During the Coronavirus Pandemic
State and federal governments have been making huge strides in advancing automatic record-clearance measures, which are needed now more than ever as a global health crisis launches the United States into its second recession in just more than a decade.
4 Ways Congress Can Amend the Insurrection Act
It is time to put more constraints on the president’s use of the military at home.
Beyond the Status Quo: Police Reform Must Bring About Meaningful Accountability
Police reform in the United States cannot take root through a menu-of-options approach that fails to bring about meaningful accountability for departments and officers.
What We Should Expect of the Police: Experts Weigh In On Recent Police Violence
The killing of George Floyd and the nationwide protests against police brutality have ignited a debate about the appropriate role and scope of policing in American communities.