In an effort to meaningfully advance racial equity in the criminal legal system, representatives from all components of the justice system, those directly impacted, and partners at the local, state, and federal level convened as part of a National Initiative to Advance Race Equity in the Criminal Legal System (Initiative) on June 17, 2022. The Initiative began as a partnership between organizations that represent criminal legal system stakeholders and persons with lived experience in the legal system. The convening was facilitated by persons with lived experience, and the development of this framework represents the product of this authentic engagement and collaboration by representatives of the criminal legal system. This Initiative and the convening were made possible through the support of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the efforts of those who volunteered their time and insights to produce this document.

It’s time for a new vision of economic opportunity and justice where all systems-impacted individuals can thrive. And systems-impacted people must be at the center of creating and driving the necessary policies to move the nation in this transformative direction. This work is the foundation of The JustUS Coordinating Council (JCC), an inaugural policy and advocacy table composed of directly impacted leaders across the nation.