The Marshall Project

The Marshall Project is a nonpartisan, nonprofit news organization dedicated to comprehensive reporting on the U.S. criminal justice system. Founded in 2014, the project aims to create a national urgency regarding the reform of the criminal justice system and to make it fairer, more effective, transparent, and humane[4].

• Investigative Journalism: The Marshall Project is known for its in-depth investigative reports that uncover systemic abuses and injustices in the criminal justice system. Reports such as “An Unbelievable Story of Rape” and “Attica’s Ghosts” have led to significant changes and even new laws[3][4].

• Investigate This: A new initiative that equips local journalists and newsrooms with resources and data to create original and locally impactful stories about the criminal justice system. This includes story toolkits with reporting resources, data, multimedia assets, FOIA guidance, and expert sources[1].

• Partnerships and Community Engagement: The Marshall Project works closely with national and local media outlets to reach a broad and diverse readership. Projects like the “Cleveland Judge Guide” and the “Inside Story” series demonstrate the focus on community engagement and the needs of those affected by the justice system[2][3].

• Education and Resources: The project provides extensive resources for journalists, including webinars, video demos, and style guidance. It also promotes the use of people-first language to avoid stigmatizing labels[1][4].

• Impact on the Justice System: The reports from The Marshall Project have repeatedly led to real and measurable changes, such as the closure of prison units, improvements in detention conditions, and the initiation of official investigations[2][4].

• Diversity and Inclusion: The project is committed to being a diverse and inclusive organization that incorporates various experiences and perspectives into its reporting. This is reflected in their annual diversity reporting[4].

• Educational and Awareness Efforts: Through initiatives like the “News Inside” magazine and the “Inside Story” series, which are distributed in prisons and correctional facilities, The Marshall Project reaches people who are often excluded from media coverage[3].

• Awards and Recognition: The Marshall Project has received numerous awards for its investigative and explanatory reporting, including honors from the Institute for Nonprofit News and a Pulitzer Prize[5].

• Future Plans: With the continuation of initiatives like “Investigate This!” and the regular release of new toolkits, The Marshall Project maintains its focus on innovative and effective journalism to improve the criminal justice system[1].

• 1 - https://www.themarshallproject.org/2024/07/25/the-marshall-project-launches-investigate-this
• 2 - https://www.themarshallproject.org/impact
• 3 - https://www.themarshallproject.org/2024/11/15/marshall-project-10-year-anniversary
• 4 - https://www.themarshallproject.org/about
• 5 - https://www.themarshallproject.org/2024/09/26/the-marshall-project-wins-two-awards-from-the-institute-for-nonprofit-news-awards