Groups Bridge Political Differences, Calling on State and Federal Lawmakers to Find Common Ground On Better Solutions for Safety and Justice 

PRINCETON, NJ (June 3rd, 2025) – Today, fourteen prominent national organizations representing the political left and right released a sweeping set of shared principles for criminal justice policy change in the United States. While the organizations’ leaders disagree on most policy issues, they set those differences aside to unite behind a commitment to a safer and more just nation. Moving forward, these principles can be leveraged by lawmakers and advocates working on criminal justice policy at the local, state, and federal level. 

The groups – Alliance for Safety and Justice (ASJ), American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), Center for American Progress, Conservative Political Action Committee (CPAC), Dream.org, Faith & Freedom Coalition, JustLeadershipUSA, Prison Fellowship Ministries, Right On Crime, Stand Together, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Unify.us, and Vera Institute of Justice – participated in a two-day convening hosted by the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs after the November 2024 election, and are launching them publicly today via a virtual event hosted by the Council on Criminal Justice. 

“The Just Trust was built around a critical truth – that our systems of justice and safety need to do better in all 50 states, and for that to happen people need to work across many different divides,” said Ana Zamora, Founder and CEO of The Just Trust. “These principles are an embodiment of this ethos, showing not only that criminal justice policy is an issue worthy of this type of collaboration, but also that we can do more when we’re starting from the same principled playing field. I’m excited to see this work in action in the years to come.”

According to these organizations, there are four principles that must shape the foundation of a justice system that is fair and effective, and that can foster national unity by earning the trust of all Americans.

1. Safety: Everyone deserves to be safe. The best available evidence of what works should be used to prevent crime, enforce laws, help crime survivors heal, and provide meaningful second chances. A strong foundation for safety means making investments that allow people and communities to thrive.

2. Accountability: Individuals are responsible for their actions; they should be held accountable and have opportunities to repair harm. People who work in the justice system should meet high moral, legal, and ethical standards and be held responsible for wrongdoing. Justice agencies should actively share information with—and seek input from—the public and use taxpayer dollars responsibly.

3. Dignity: Every person has inherent worth, value, and potential for change. All people should be treated with dignity and respect and afforded opportunities to contribute positively to their communities.

4. Fairness: The justice system should uphold constitutional rights and liberties and apply the rule of law fairly and proportionally to all. Criminal justice policies and practices should recognize and actively work against any two-tiered system of justice, particularly addressing longstanding disparities, including race and class.

This effort was supported by the Council on Criminal Justice, the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, and The Just Trust. 

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