Council on Criminal Justice

The Council on Criminal Justice (CCJ) is at the forefront of advancing understanding and fostering consensus on critical criminal justice policy issues facing the United States. As an independent, nonpartisan membership organization and think tank, CCJ serves as a pivotal center of gravity and an incubator for innovative policy and leadership within the criminal justice field. Through groundbreaking research and collaborative initiatives, the Council harnesses the collective experience and vision of the nation's leading experts, innovators, and influencers. This collaborative approach allows CCJ to act as a catalyst for progress, championing actionable policies rooted in facts, evidence, and the fundamental principles of justice. The organization is dedicated to illuminating new pathways toward a fair and effective criminal justice system, one that our nation urgently needs and rightfully deserves. At its core, the Council operates on the foundational belief that a just and efficient criminal justice system is not merely a component of governance but is essential to the very fabric of democracy and a core measure of the nation's overall well-being.

Launched in July 2019, CCJ was conceived to address the pressing need for a unified, evidence-based approach to criminal justice reform. The organization tackles a wide array of challenges, from understanding trends in crime and incarceration to exploring the impact of policy on various communities, including specific initiatives like the Women's Justice Commission and the Violent Crime Working Group. These projects exemplify CCJ's commitment to in-depth analysis and targeted solutions. The Women's Justice Commission, for instance, is a multi-year endeavor focused on documenting and raising awareness of the unique challenges women face within the justice system, aiming to build consensus for reforms that enhance safety, health, and justice for women and their families. Similarly, the Violent Crime Working Group brings together diverse leaders to address urgent issues related to crime and violence, providing practical guidance to policymakers and practitioners. By consistently providing sound data and research from trustworthy sources, CCJ strives to encourage a national dialogue focused on facts and to build agreement on central issues, thereby driving meaningful and sustainable improvements in safety and justice for all.