Overview of the Work of CCJ’s Task Force on Long Sentences

This issue presents the final report and research briefs commissioned by the Council on Criminal Justice (CCJ) Task Force on Long Sentences. CCJ is a nonpartisan think tank that advances understanding of the criminal justice policy choices facing the nation and builds consensus for solutions that enhance safety and justice for all. In 2022, CCJ established the Task Force, recruiting 16 national subject matter experts representing diverse political perspectives to scrutinize the impact of extended sentences on the criminal justice system and the communities it serves, encompassing victims, incarcerated individuals, their families, and correctional staff. Drawing on sentencing data and comprehensive research, the Task Force developed 14 recommendations designed to enhance individual and systemic accountability, mitigate racial and ethnic disparities, better support crime victims, and bolster public safety.