Here's What We Did in 2025: MNJRC Annual Report

Here at the Minnesota Justice Research Center, we know the justice system isn’t just. That’s why we’re working to change it. We do things a little differently than traditional research organizations: we center the community and build bridges to transform our criminal legal system into one that is equitable, accountable, and restorative. What does that look like in action? Check out some of our accomplishments in 2025.

• We released our blueprint for a groundbreaking redesign of our pretrial system, and wrapped up research on responses to mental health crises beyond police. 

  
  

• We activated hundreds of people around our cause, by hosting sharebacks about our research findings, conversations about policing and prisons, and our annual Reimagining Justice Conference.

• We launched the Just Lead Fellowship, so that people impacted by the system can leverage their experience and develop leadership skills to shape the future of justice.

  
  

• As a member of the Justice For All Coalition, our work led to the passage of five bills during the state legislative session, including closing Stillwater prison.

  
  

• And we made strides in shifting the narrative. We were featured in the news 30 times, shared 14 blog posts, and released 4 powerful podcast episodes.

5 years since the murder of George Floyd and the uprising that followed, it may feel like the momentum for change has waned. But here at MNJRC, we haven’t slowed down for a second.

Join us—visit mnjrc.org/join to donate or get involved.