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Centering Justice - Council on Criminal Justice

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

The Hill
Why a strong, united America requires effective criminal justice policies

Levin and Cumberbatch explore how criminal justice policies provide the structure necessary for a fair and just system.

Governing
To Address the Corrections Staffing Crisis, Think Outside the Cell

Our prisons don’t have enough staffers to protect inmates or themselves. Better pay, benefits and working conditions are needed, and there are other effective strategies.

The Crime Report
Guns: Yes, Virginia, There Really is a Middle Ground

Despite the U.S. Supreme Court's Bruen decision, Levin argues that Americans can find middle ground on guns.

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 Cumberbatch - Director of Strategic Partnerships, Council on Criminal Justice

Khalil A. Cumberbatch

Director, Engagement and Partnerships

Marc Levin - Chief Policy Counsel, Council on Criminal Justice

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.