Washington, D.C. has the highest rate of incarcerated citizens per capita of any state in the country. GW Law’s latest pro bono initiative, the Criminal Justice Reform Project, modeled after the successful Animal Welfare Project, looks to research and analyze laws that affect the ability of persons released from prison to re-enter and re-integrate into the community. More than 50 students volunteered their time in its first two years to conduct hundreds of hours of research and site visits in hopes of getting a better grasp on this difficult problem.

The Criminal Justice Reform Project began in the fall of 2005 as Project Re-Entry. Like the Animal Welfare Project, it is a joint effort by students and faculty. The goal of the project will be to issue a comprehensive report and make recommendations for legal reforms. Students receive guidance from faculty advisor Professor Donald Braman along with CJRP founders Professor Mary Cheh and Professor Anne Olesen. Students volunteering for this project can submit an Hours Sheet to receive credit for Pro Bono Program hours.