This report was written by Jamie Fellner, associate counsel of Human Rights Watch and Marc Mauer, assistant director of The Sentencing Project. Paul Hirschfield, a research associate of The Sentencing Project, conducted the principal data analysis. Mareke Aden, a Human Rights Watch intern, provided research assistance and Christina Portillo, a program associate of Human Rights Watch, also provided research and production assistance.

The Sentencing Project
The Sentencing Project is a nationa...

Many people with criminal backgrounds experience legal discrimination and blatant bigotry within general society.  Though there are indeed certain heinous crimes that warrant these actions or consequence, this does not make up the vast majority of crimes committed.  I have compiled some information to show those of you who wish to be the “lock ‘em up and throw away the key” types, that your views are homes built on sand.  We are all accountable for our choices, w...

Many people with criminal backgrounds experience legal discrimination and blatant bigotry within general society.  Though there are indeed certain heinous crimes that warrant these actions or consequence, this does not make up the vast majority of crimes committed.  I have compiled some information to show those of you who wish to be the “lock ‘em up and throw away the key” types, that your views are homes built on sand.  We are all accountable for our choices, whether criminal or...

American Citizens United for Rights & Equality (ACURE) is an organization of (1) citizens who experience, (2) citizens who has a loved one experience, or (3) citizens who strongly disagree with; inhumane treatment of incarcerated individuals and/or legal discrimination against those with a criminal background.  Do not be mistaken; we are not a body of citizenry that expects special privileges, or considers past unlawful choices as acceptable. We are a body of citizenry who both accepts ...

American Citizens United for Rights & Equality (ACURE) is an organization of (1) citizens who experience, (2) citizens who has a loved one experience, or (3) citizens who strongly disagree with; inhumane treatment of incarcerated individuals and/or legal discrimination against those with a criminal background.  Do not be mistaken; we are not a body of citizenry that expects special privileges, or considers past unlawful choices as acceptable. We are a body of citizenry who both accepts ...