mission statement

CJLF is a public-interest law and policy organization that supports victims' rights and public safety by filing legal briefs, conducting policy research, and explains how criminal justice law and policy affects public safety and victims' rights.

what we stand for

Public Safety Is Non-Negotiable

Safe communities are the foundation of justice and opportunity. CJLF advocates for policies that protect citizens, support victims' rights and hold offenders appropriately accountable.

Victims Deserve a Voice

Justice that forgets victims is not justice. CJLF ensures victims' rights remain central to criminal justice policy and court decisions.

Accountability Works

Consequences reduce crime. Ignoring the law doesn't reform it. CJLF fights for consistent, fair enforcement of existing criminal justice statutes.

issue spotlights

the cases that matter most right now

CJLF tracks the criminal justice policies actively reshaping public safety.
These are the cases, laws, and decisions you need to understand.

victims’ rights

the issue

Victims' Rights Are Constitutional Rights.
They Must Be Protected.

California voters enshrined victims' rights in the state Constitution through Marsy's Law, guaranteeing victims fairness, respect, and a voice in the justice system.

what changed

Policies and laws that prioritize offenders over victims, including repeated parole hearings and reduced sentences, have weakened the practical protections voters intended for victims and their families.

CJLF's role

Advocating in courts and legislatures to enforce constitutional victims' rights and ensure victims and their families are heard, protected, and treated with dignity throughout the justice process.

early releases

the issue

Early Release Decisions Must Prioritize Public Safety.

Early Release laws and policies determine whether dangerous offenders will be released back into communities. Victims and the public must be confident that release decisions are based on genuine rehabilitation and risk — not political pressure or procedural shortcuts.

what changed

Recent laws and policy changes have expanded early parole eligibility and increased the number of hearings for serious and violent offenders, including those convicted of murder and sexual assault.

CJLF's role

Advocating for parole policies that prioritize public safety and ensure victims' voices are heard in the release process.

public safety

the issue

Public Safety Must Remain the First Priority of the Justice System.

The criminal justice system exists to protect communities while delivering fair and constitutional justice. Policies that reduce accountability for violent crime can undermine public confidence and community safety.

what changed

Recent criminal justice reforms have shortened sentences, expanded early release opportunities, and shifted priorities away from accountability for serious and violent offenses.

CJLF's role

Litigating in state and federal courts and advocating for policies that maintain constitutional protections while ensuring the justice system prioritizes safety and justice for victims.

About CJLF

Most Organizations Advocate. We Act.

Founded in Sacramento, CJLF is the only public-interest legal organization exclusively focused on ensuring criminal justice law and policy supports public safety and victims’ rights.

We don’t lobby. We don’t run campaigns. We act. Both inside and outside the courtroom.

"Public safety is a civil right. The rule of law must be enforced fairly and consistently."

- CJLF Core Belief

about the foundation

newsroom

Recent press releases

February 22, 2026

Request Filed Urging California Board of Parole Hearings to Reconsider Parole Grant to David Funston

CJLF and the CA District Attorneys' Association urge the Board of Parole Hearings to reconsider its parole grant to David Funston, citing serious public safety concerns and victim impact.

Help defend
Public Safety & Victims' Rights

Your support funds court-ready legal advocacy, policy research, and the long-term legal infrastructure that protects communities. CJLF is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization.

Donate Today

The Legal Firewall for Public Safety &Victims' Rights

what we stand for

Public Safety Is Non-Negotiable

Victims Deserve a Voice

Accountability Works

the cases that matter most right now

Most Organizations Advocate. We Act.

Recent press releases

Help defendPublic Safety & Victims' Rights

The Legal Firewall for
Public Safety &Victims' Rights

Help defend
Public Safety & Victims' Rights