Centering Justice is a collaborative project engaging a diverse range of the nation’s top thinkers and doers in an ongoing, ideologically vibrant conversation about criminal justice policy. Two pillars anchor the initiative. One is an allegiance to data and evidence; the second is a commitment to viewing criminal justice challenges through shared principles that enable people of different perspectives to find common ground on measures that strengthen public safety, protect due process, and promote equity.
Centering Justice is led by two CCJ staff members – Director of Strategic Partnerships Khalil A. Cumberbatch and Chief Policy Counsel Marc Levin. Through writings, interactive events, partnerships, and other means, the duo strives to bring light rather than heat to some of the most vexing issues of our time, from the evolving role of policing to sentencing, incarceration, and racial disparities.
Our Work
Washington Monthly America Doesn’t Need Public Mugshots of Donald Trump or Joe Blow
By Marc A. Levin and Khalil A. Cumberbatch Americans may have increasingly different perspectives, but virtually all of them recognize the face of former President Donald Trump. Sure, some have seen enough of him, while others eagerly await his every
The Hill Why a strong, united America requires effective criminal justice policies
Governing To Address the Corrections Staffing Crisis, Think Outside the Cell
The Crime Report Guns: Yes, Virginia, There Really is a Middle Ground
Washington Monthly Critical Race Query
By Marc A. Levin and Khalil A. Cumberbatch When it comes to critical race theory, strong opinions abound. Proponents declare that it’s “the only way we hold the devil at bay,” while the conservative Heritage Foundation insists that its embrace
About the Founders
Khalil A. Cumberbatch
Director, Engagement and Partnerships
Marc Levin
Chief Policy Counsel
About The Art
The banner design was created by an adult in custody designer in the Oregon Corrections Enterprises (OCE) Graphic Design program. The mission of OCE, in partnership with the Oregon Department of Corrections, is to promote public safety by providing adults in custody with work and training opportunities in a self-sustaining organization.