July 1, 2010

 

Dear Friends,

This past year saw the United States take important steps toward a criminal justice system that is fair and equitable in its sentencing laws and practices, and that uses incarceration only as a last resort in ensuring public safety.

It's a big vision, but one that is coming into view. Every day. In substantive, measurable ways. See how in The Sentencing Project's new 2009 Annual Report. 

Whether the issue was crack cocaine sentencing reform, ending the practice of sentencing juveniles to prison for the rest of their lives, helping policymakers understand the unsustainable social and economic costs of imprisoning over 2 million Americans, or capturing media attention for analyzing how current policies create difficulties for people returning home from prison, The Sentencing Project was at the forefront of change.

We know we did not achieve these victories on our own. But we feel confident that our special contributions to each of these issues were, and will continue to be, uniquely important.

We also recognize that The Sentencing Project's success is possible only with the commitment of people like you. After you have looked through our 2009 Annual Report, we hope you will make a donation to changing the way Americans think about crime and punishment.

If this will be your first contribution to The Sentencing Project, a generous donor has promised to match the full amount. And if you have given in the past, every dollar you give above the amount of your most recent contribution will be matched as well.

Marc Mauer
Executive Director

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