The United States criminal legal system affects an extremely large portion of the nation’s population. Despite claims that this system is designed to promote rehabilitation rather than punishment, the following statistics reveal how justice-impacted individuals are an extremely marginalized group in the United States that face perpetual punishment and collateral consequences as a result of their criminal record.

 

As the population of returning citizens continues to grow, Out for Justice believes that it becomes society’s responsibility to provide the support necessary for them to overcome the stigma of being formerly incarcerated and transition successfully back into society.

 

This is especially important for minority populations such as women and African Americans, who are disproportionately affected by the negative impacts of a criminal record.

 

Through targeted policy reform campaigns, we can begin to change the legislation that limits justice-involved individuals’ ability to reintegrate into American society. Out for Justice believes that changing existing policies and practices surrounding re-entry is the best way to bring about comprehensive, sweeping reform in the criminal legal system.