Pretrial Justice Institute (PJI)
Non-profit OrganizationsMaryland, United States2-10 Employees
The Pretrial Justice Institute (PJI) is a non-profit organization focused on reforming pretrial systems in the United States. Its work centers on collaboration among judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and other system actors, as well as engagement with communities that have been disproportionately affected by the criminal justice system, to identify shared values and pursue reforms that emphasize healing and well-being over punitive approaches. Based in Baltimore, Maryland, PJI positions itself as a bridge between power holders within the legal system and community voices, aiming to create environments where all people feel safe, respected, and able to thrive. The organization has a long-standing history, dating back about five decades, and has undertaken initiatives to move away from detention-centric policies toward options that support stable housing, employment, and access to resources after contact with the system. A recent collaboration noted in the news highlights PJI’s involvement in a partnership with the National Philharmonic to host Harmonic Justice, an online event that combines classical music with a focus on racial justice within and beyond classical music contexts.