Sentencing and Prison Reform

America’s criminal justice system should keep communities safe, treat people fairly, and use fiscal resources wisely.

But more Americans are deprived of their liberty than ever before – unfairly and unnecessarily, with no benefit to public safety.

Through sentencing reform, our government should invest in alternatives to incarceration and make prisons the option of last – not first – resort.

Effects of Over Incarceration

Over incarceration has led to:

• Facilities that are dangerously overcrowded.
• Medical systems that are overwhelmed.
• Work, education, and treatment programs that are inadequate.

ACLU-DE fights unlawful conditions in jails and prisons on behalf of prisoners.