About the Women's Justice Commission

The Women’s Justice Commission is a multi-year research, policy development, and communications initiative from the Council on Criminal Justice that documents and raises awareness of the unique challenges facing women in the justice system and builds consensus for evidence-based reforms that enhance safety, health, and justice. The project spans the full scope of the adult justice system—from arrest and diversion through prosecution, incarceration, release, and community supervision—with a particular focus on prevention and intervention strategies that meet the specific needs of women.

Chaired by former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch, the Commission includes 15 other high-profile, ideologically diverse leaders representing law enforcement, courts, corrections, legislatures, medicine, research, and advocacy. Oklahoma First Lady Sarah Stitt is senior adviser, and the Commission also consults with a team of experts with decades of experience in women’s justice issues.

Diverse in background and perspective, commissioners strive to come to consensus on findings and policy proposals through private, nonpartisan discussions. Members are asked to join a consensus signifying that they endorse the general policy thrust and judgments reached by the group, though not necessarily every finding and recommendation. Members participate in the Commission in their individual, not institutional capacities. Professional affiliations included in Commission reports do not imply institutional endorsement.