ABOUT US

Who We Are

The Council on Criminal Justice advances understanding of the criminal justice policy choices facing the nation and builds consensus for solutions that enhance safety and justice for all.

Independent and nonpartisan, the Council is an invitational membership organization and think tank, serving as a center of gravity and incubator of policy and leadership for the criminal justice field.

The Council is a catalyst for progress based on facts, evidence, and fundamental principles of justice. Above all, the Council is founded on the belief that a fair and effective criminal justice system is essential to democracy and a core measure of our nation’s well-being.

Challenge

Our nation’s criminal justice system is not producing enough safety or justice. Although crime and incarceration rates have receded from historic highs, racial and economic disparities persist, and too many communities struggle with violence and substance abuse.

Opportunity

Over the past decade, compelling improvements have been adopted across the country, borne of strong backing across the ideological spectrum. Our nation needs nonpartisan institutions that encourage people to focus on facts and agree on central issues. The Council is designed to provide sound data and research from trustworthy sources.

Mission

The Council advances understanding of the criminal justice policy choices facing the nation and builds consensus for solutions that enhance safety and justice for all. We believe a fair and effective criminal justice system is essential to democracy and a core measure of our nation’s well-being.