MAPPING PROGRAMS, CHALLENEGES, AND VISIONS

Prepared by: Angel McKissic Senior Program Manager | Just Cities Lab

The Detroit Justice Center’s broad mission is to reduce poverty, end over-criminalization, and mass incarceration, and build thriving communities. As an innovative team of community lawyers, advocates, and researchers, DJC uses a three-pronged approach to serve marginalized residents, build power, and make Detroit a model for a just city. We conceptualize this work as "defense, offense, and dreaming".

1. Our Legal Services Practice removes legal barriers (such as warrants, criminal records, fines, and suspended driver’s licenses) that prevent criminal justice-involved individuals from participating in the city’s economy.

2. Our Economic Equity Practice provides legal support for land trusts, housing co-ops, and economic endeavors led by returning citizens.

3. Our Just City Lab is working towards the incubation of viable systemic solutions to the punitive policies and infrastructure of the current criminal justice system.