Justice for All

Our system of justice fails to live up to the American ideals of equality, fairness, and justice. Dysfunction in our criminal and civil legal systems is of grave proportions. The U.S. currently incarcerates 2.3 million Americans—disproportionately people of color—and more than 25 percent of Americans have a criminal conviction. Many of these individuals are also saddled with massive fees with few options for reentering society.

The Brennan Center’s Justice Program seeks to create a rational and effective criminal and civil justice system that treats all people fairly and equally by ending mass incarceration, closing the justice gap, and ensuring racial equality within these systems.

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Recent Research

In Texas, a Bold Step Toward Justice
Andrew Cohen

Texas, home of some of the worst criminal justice transgressions, passed a bill requiring prosecutors to share more information more quickly with defense attorneys. The vast majority of prosecutorial misconduct occurs in state courts. Hopefully other states see the light.

May 17, 2013
Justice for All
Getting the Justice Systems We Deserve
Andrew Cohen

The sequester is taking a considerable toll on the courts, the one branch of government not responsible for it. Jurists need to speak out about what the sequester means to the rule of law and to the ability of the courts to dispense justice.

May 6, 2013
Government & Court Reform
Fair Courts
Justice for All

Recent Blog Posts

Should Judges Consider the Cost of Sentences?

Lauren-Brooke Eisen

Vermont lawmakers missed an opportunity to reduce state correction costs this month when they failed to pass a provision requiring judges to consider the cost of available sentences — a move that would help Vermont lower its correction costs and prison population.

May 22, 2013

Justice for All

Ending Mass Incarceration

Public Housing Authorities Need Better Guidance on Dealing with Criminal Records

Meghna Philip

Improving access to stable housing is critical to supporting successful reentry of the formerly incarcerated. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development needs to provide stronger guidance to help minimize exclusions of those with criminal records from public housing.

April 22, 2013

Justice for All

Closing the Justice Gap

Recent Litigation

In re: Mortgage Foreclosure Cases (Amicus Brief)

The Brennan Center filed an amicus brief in the First Circuit Court of Appeals in support of the Rhode Island district court’s settlement conference process. The program, which is being challenged by some bankers, helps borrowers and lenders negotiate affordable loan modification that restore value to distressed mortgage loans and keep families in their homes.

January 14, 2013
Closing the Justice Gap
Michigan v. Bailey (Amicus Brief)

The Brennan Center filed an amicus brief in Michigan v. Bailey, a case that raises important issues regarding the incarceration of individuals based on their inability to pay criminal justice debt.

September 17, 2012
Ending Mass Incarceration

Brennan Center for Justice

Main Menu With Nesting

Justice for All

Recent Research

In Texas, a Bold Step Toward Justice

Getting the Justice Systems We Deserve

Recent Blog Posts

Should Judges Consider the Cost of Sentences?

Public Housing Authorities Need Better Guidance on Dealing with Criminal Records

Recent Litigation

In re: Mortgage Foreclosure Cases (Amicus Brief)

Michigan v. Bailey (Amicus Brief)

Featured Video

Featured Analysis:

Gideon at 50: Three Reforms to Revive the Right to Counsel

When Their Sentence is Up, Ex-Offenders Stay in a Prison of Debt

New York to Sue Banks in Mortgage Settlement Case