About Us

The Eighth Amendment:

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

About Us

EST. 2023

#Pleadthe8th is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to educating, advocating, and transforming the justice system into having fairer, safer, and more effective practices.

We envision a justice system that upholds the values of proportional punishment, racial equality, constructive corrections culture, the opportunity of second chances, and reentry resources that ensure every individual, especially youth, have the tools and support to reintegrate into society successfully.

Our Vision

Our Focus

Youth Incarceration: We are deeply concerned about the state of youth incarceration in Florida and are actively working to bring about transformative changes in how young individuals are treated within the justice system.
Community Empowerment: We aim to inspire, educate, and empower communities to take proactive steps in promoting equality and justice. Through workshops, rallies, and community outreach programs, we seek to ignite a passion for change.
Advocacy: Our team is dedicated to advocating for policies and practices that align with our vision of a just and restorative justice system. We collaborate with policymakers, legal experts, and other stakeholders to bring about meaningful reforms.
Reentry Resources & Assistance: We are committed to providing resources and assistance that address the key determinants of health and factors contributing to recidivism, ensuring that these young individuals have the holistic support they need to thrive.

Learn More

Education & Awareness

Policy Advocacy

Grassroots Organizing

Reentry Support

The inspiration for our name, PleadThe8th, came from the imaginative mind of a 10-year-old. It's a powerful reminder of the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which stands against cruel and unusual punishment, and a nod to the United States Supreme Court case Graham v. Florida. Our organization places a significant emphasis on youth incarceration, particularly in the state of Florida. We firmly believe that many states, in their treatment of youth within the justice system, are in violation of the Eighth Amendment and the fundamental human rights standards. In essence, we are pleading that states stop cruelly and unusually punishing children in the justice system.

The Story Behind Our Name

Our Belief

Every person within the justice system deserves to be treated with respect and fairness, irrespective of their race, gender, religion, socioeconomic status, or background.

Our Values & Principles

Evidence-Based Approach

Research consistently indicates that an excessive dependence on incarceration and confinement is ineffective for youth and does not enhance community safety. We are committed to evidence-based strategies that prioritize the well-being of young individuals and the broader community.

A Vision for a Better World

We envision a world that is safe, just, and equitable for all. True public safety can only be achieved when every individual's well-being is promoted, and when our youth are given the chance to demonstrate their capacity for growth and transformation.

Centering the Impacted

Our advocacy efforts are rooted in the experiences and voices of young people, their families, and those directly affected by the justice system. Their narratives guide our mission to reform and transform the system.

Fair & Proportional Accountability

Accountability for wrongdoing should be fair, equal, age-appropriate, and proportionate to the offense. We stand against overly punitive measures that do not consider the unique circumstances of each case.

Belief in Second Chances

Every young individual deserves a second chance. We advocate for judicial reviews that allow youth to demonstrate their maturity and rehabilitation, emphasizing their potential for positive change.

Restorative Approaches

We champion approaches that are trauma-informed, restorative, and community-centered. We advocate for interventions that utilize the least restrictive environments, ensuring the dignity and rights of the individual are upheld.

Championing Racial Equity

Racial equity is at the core of our mission. From the very first interaction with law enforcement to every subsequent phase in the justice system, we are committed to transforming how youth of color are treated, ensuring fairness and justice at every step.

Recognizing the Distinctiveness of Youth

Youth are not mini-adults. Research underscores the fundamental differences between children and adults, especially in areas of cognitive development and decision-making. Our policies and practices should reflect this understanding.

Empowering Communities

Lasting change is not just about influencing those in positions of power but also about empowering our communities. We are dedicated to community-building, ensuring that the voices of the marginalized are amplified and heard.