Empowering Communities Affected by Injustice
Our Justice System Reform Program advances social, economic, and racial justice by centering the voices and experiences of those most harmed by our deeply flawed, inherently racist, and overly punitive criminal legal system.
We work to end mass incarceration and the death penalty, improve public safety, challenge systemic racism, eliminate collateral consequences, and hold those in power accountable when they abuse their authority.
Our Work
Because no single solution can fix the system, we use a wide range of tools — litigation, advocacy, research, policy work, and communications — and collaborate with others to push for real, lasting change.
Ending Mass Incarceration
We fight to reduce the number of people entering and remaining in the criminal legal system and advocate for the elimination of the death penalty and other excessive punishments.
Supporting Second Chances
SCSJ works to dismantle systemic barriers, bring people home from prison, and support their reentry with dignity and stability.
Transparency & Accountability
When state or local officials misuse their power, we help people and communities fight back.
Reframing Public Safety
We promote community-based, evidence-driven approaches to safety that move away from punishment and fear.
Core Strategies
We support and connect advocates, organizations, and communities — especially in North Carolina and the South — to strengthen local movements for justice.
We share tools and information to help communities speak out, inform decision-makers, and shift public narratives toward fairness and truth.
We defend people’s rights in court and work outside the courtroom to challenge harmful policies through strategic campaigns combining law, research, and communications.