WE THE PEOPLE · 1776–2026
Restore the Balance.
Government should never hold more power than the people it serves. 250 years after 1776, we're working to restore fair process, accountable power, and equal justice for every American.
GIVE NOW- 1776Power comes from the people.
The founders declare that government exists to secure our rights.
- 1976Prosecutors are shielded.
The Supreme Court shields prosecutors from civil damages for presenting a case, even when intentional misconduct is alleged.
- 2026Time to restore the balance.
Fifty years later, accountability is overdue.
WHAT'S HAPPENING
The imbalance in two numbers.
Convictions by guilty plea
Nearly every federal conviction comes through a plea.
Longer sentences after trial
Trial sentences average roughly three times plea sentences.
When one side can investigate, charge, and shape sentences without meaningful accountability, the balance that the founders built breaks down.
WHAT WE'RE DOING ABOUT IT
We are not politicians. We've experienced the system firsthand. JRF researches where justice safeguards fail, makes those failures visible, and advances nonpartisan reforms that protect due process and hold public power accountable, no matter who holds office.
“My story is one case. JRF is about the system.”
STEPHEN KELLER, PRESIDENT
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Your gift funds research, public education, and lasting reform that restores the balance between the people and the power.
Every gift supports all three.
GIVE NOWIt is of more importance to community, that innocence should be protected, than it is, that guilt should be punished.JOHN ADAMS, 1770 · Read the defense argument in a new tab
Defending the British soldiers after the Boston Massacre
SUPPORT WE THE PEOPLE
Take Back Our Justice System.
In 1776, the founders declared that government draws its authority from the people. Help carry that promise forward.
Having trouble with the form? Open the secure donation form in a new tab.
Justice Restoration Foundation is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3). Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Frequently Asked
- Is this political?
- No. Fair process and equal treatment under the law matter across party lines, whoever holds office.
- Does JRF take individual cases?
- No. JRF works at the system level. We do not provide legal representation or case referrals, and we do not promise legal outcomes.
- Where does my gift go?
- Every gift supports JRF's research, public education, and reform work.
STAY CONNECTED
Follow the work you make possible.
Join our mailing list for updates on JRF's work and progress.