**Smart Start Sunday**

The United States incarcerates its citizens at a

higher rate than any other country.

Though we comprise only 5% of the world's population, we hold 25% of the world's imprisoned people. This rate of incarceration does not make us safer, costs billions, and most importantly, destroys lives, primarily Black and Brown lives. The role of the criminal justice system is to prevent crime and promote public safety. Current research indicates successful systems focus on rehabilitation and support to prevent recidivism.

Vera Institute Brief: More Incarceration Will Not Make Us Safer

A growing national bipartisan consensus exists that the current criminal justice system needs reform to ensure its constitutionality and cost effectiveness. Check out the National Academy of Sciences video below to find out more about the problems of mass incarceration.

Video on Effects of Mass Incarceration

In the next week of actions, we'll work to highlight some ways you can make an impact on the Justice System and how your ballot choices can do the same come November 3rd. To take a deeper dive into all there is to know about the criminal justice system in the United States, spend some time listening to the award-winning podcast 70 Million.

70 Million Podcast

Then, as always, share what you've learned with friends.

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