The Columbia Justice Lab is a university research center whose work focuses on crime and criminal justice policy. We conduct research on incarceration, community supervision, reentry, youth development, community safety, narrative change, and racial justice.
We take a community-centered vision of justice that promotes healing and resilience, rather than surveillance and punishment, to address social problems rooted in racial and economic inequality.
News
EAJP Issues Press Release on Historic Life Without Parole Ruling in Massachusetts
The Columbia Justice Lab praises a historic Massachusetts court ruling that determines Life Without Parole sentences for people under age 21 are unconstitutional.
The Justice Lab 2023: Year in Review
Since its launch in 2017, the Justice Lab has conducted cutting-edge research, elevated the voices of those directly impacted by incarceration, and placed the convening power of a great university in the service of communities seeking to reimagine justice. This past year, the Lab has made significant strides in advancing its mission.
What's Next: Community Perspectives on (Re)Investment After Less Is More New York
The Justice Lab Probation and Parole Project and Unchained partnered with the Less Is More advocacy coalition, led by Unchained and the Katal Center, on a report which details: How do community members across New York State want the cost savings from Less Is More to be invested in their communities?
Our Research
What's Next: Community Perspectives on (Re)Investment After Less Is More New York
The Justice Lab Probation and Parole Project and Unchained partnered with the Less Is More advocacy coalition, led by Unchained and the Katal Center, on a report which details: How do community members across New York State want the cost savings from Less Is More to be invested in their communities?
Upcoming Report on Community Reinvestment
The passage and implementation of the Less Is More Act in 2021 has led to a smaller parole supervision system in New York State. Our preliminary analysis also shows that there has been a significant decrease in the number of people detained in jail for technical violations of parole.
New Article on Poverty and Community Violence
Multidimensional indicators of poverty closely related to neighborhood shootings