JustLeadershipUSA Joins Nation’s Top Progressive and Conservative Groups to Develop New Set of Bipartisan Principles for Criminal Justice Policy

Groups Bridge Political Differences, Calling on State and Federal Lawmakers to Find Common Ground On Better Solutions for Safety and Justice

Today, JustLeadershipUSA (JLUSA), along with 13 prominent national organizations representing the political left and right, released a sweeping set of shared principles for criminal justice policy change in the United States. While the organizations’ leaders disagree on most policy issues, they set those differences aside to unite behind a commitment to a safer and more just nation. Moving forward, these principles can be leveraged by lawmakers and advocates working on criminal justice policy at the local, state, and federal level.

The groups – Alliance for Safety and Justice (ASJ), American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), Center for American Progress, Conservative Political Action Committee (CPAC), Dream.org, Faith & Freedom Coalition, JustLeadershipUSA (JLUSA), Prison Fellowship Ministries, Right On Crime, Stand Together, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Unify.us, and Vera Institute of Justice – began collaborating prior to the November 2024 election to develop the principles, participated in a two-day convening hosted by the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs after the November elections, and are launching them publicly today via a virtual event hosted by the Council on Criminal Justice.

“JustLeadershipUSA was founded on the principle that ‘those closest to the problem are closest to solution, but too often furthest from resources and power to impact change.’ As one of the nation’s only criminal justice organizations that is both founded by and led by formerly incarcerated people, we are grateful to be part of this collective bipartisan effort calling for ongoing criminal justice reform,” said DeAnna Hoskins, President and CEO of JLUSA. “All of our voices are vital to this conversation and must be heard. Now is the time to come together and collaborate for a fair and just U.S.”

According to these organizations, there are four principles that must shape the foundation of a justice system that is fair and effective, and that can foster national unity by earning the trust of all Americans.

Safety: Everyone deserves to be safe. The best available evidence of what works should be used to prevent crime, enforce laws, help crime survivors heal, and provide meaningful second chances. A strong foundation for safety means making investments that allow people and communities to thrive.

Accountability: Individuals are responsible for their actions; they should be held accountable and have opportunities to repair harm. People who work in the justice system should meet high moral, legal, and ethical standards and be held responsible for wrongdoing. Justice agencies should actively share information with—and seek input from—the public and use taxpayer dollars responsibly.

Dignity: Every person has inherent worth, value, and potential for change. All people should be treated with dignity and respect and afforded opportunities to contribute positively to their communities.

Fairness: The justice system should uphold constitutional rights and liberties and apply the rule of law fairly and proportionally to all. Criminal justice policies and practices should recognize and actively work against any two-tiered system of justice, particularly addressing longstanding disparities, including race and class.

This effort was supported by the Council on Criminal Justice, the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, and The Just Trust.