Policy Impact

legislative advocacy

Over the past decade, public support has grown for criminal justice reforms that emphasize rehabilitation and prison alternatives. Ensuing legislation, however, has focused largely on providing relief to people convicted of non-violent and non-serious offenses, despite the fact that those convicted of serious crimes make up 76% of California's prison population, and over half of the entire prison population in the United States.

Our policy team partners with legislators on bills that advance the freedom and wellbeing of life sentenced people, and advocates for the inclusion of this community in broader criminal justice reforms aimed at reducing incarceration in California.

monitoring bph regulations and budget

Too many people serving life sentences do not present a risk to public safety, but there are too few mechanisms for bringing them home. The discretionary parole process, a highly flawed and ineffective release mechanism, costs taxpayers millions each year; and the overall cost of incarceration in California now tops $13B. These costs are, in large part, driven by the elderly and infirm, who are disproportionately serving lengthy sentences.

Our team monitors and challenges BPH proposed regulations that would result in fewer people returning home, and advocates for BPH spending oversight.

strategic litigation and data transparency

Preliminary data indicates that the discretionary parole process is infected with a variety of biases. Our team advocates for greater data transparency, so advocates and lawmakers can better assess the influences of race, class, gender, etc. on commissioners’ decisions about whether or not to grant someone’s freedom.

Our team also pursues strategic litigation, and our lawsuits have in past years improved the civil rights of thousands.

community engagement and education

Our team mobilizes community members, impacted families and loved ones to advocate against harmful BPH regulations, and in support of legislation that would improve the rights of those serving lengthly prison terms.

We also leverage strategic communications to educate our broader community about the role of life sentencing and discretionary parole in perpetuating mass incarceration, and to change dominant, negative narratives about people serving life sentences for serious and/or violent crimes. We work directly with legislators and staffers to better inform them about these issues, and ensure that they consider those serving life sentences in any criminal justice reform litigation they pursue.

UnCommon Law is a founding member of The California Alliance for Parole Reform, a coalition of organizations dedicated to creating a fairer parole process for everyone in California.

Learn more about our coalition efforts here.