Equal Justice Initiative

Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) was founded in 1989 by Bryan Stevenson, a public interest lawyer who has been recognized for his impactful work defending historically marginalized groups and championing criminal justice reform. Since its creation, EJI has expanded to focus on four key issues: racial justice, children in prison, mass incarceration, and the death penalty. Through each of these areas of focus, the organization strives to transform American notions and discussions about race and poverty, provide legal representation to the wrongfully convicted, and advocate for the abolishment of excessive punishment policies, including the death penalty. EJI has won reversals, relief, or release from prison for hundreds of inmates who were on death row, wrongly convicted, or unfairly sentenced. Additionally, EJI has been instrumental in efforts to reform the way in which underage children are treated and prosecuted within the criminal justice system.