The Sentencing Project is a non-profit organization engaged in research and policy advocacy of criminal justice reform. Marc Mauer has frequently testified before Congress and state legislative bodies. US prisoners are up sharply since 1972 as a result of the break down of black families and drugs in the large cities. US has 5 times as many prisoners than Europe. Blacks are 1/3rd of the prison population; Hispanics 1/6th and Whites are 1/17th. Marc thinks drug prison terms are too long and California’s ” 3 strikes and you are out” is an injustice because the 3rd offense can be trivial. Though more prisoners for longer terms reduces crime by 25%, the annual cost per prisoner is $25,000.