Our Purpose

Hear from DJC’s Founder, Amanda Alexander, and other team members on the common goals of DJC and the the Kresge Foundation’s Detroit program and why this collaboration is so important to push Detroit forward.

DJC is founded on the belief that we cannot build cities that work for everyone without remedying the impacts of mass incarceration. This mission requires innovative ways of community lawyering—rooted in defensive and offensive fights for racial justice and economic equity—that build up our poorest residents through direct services and novel approaches to land use, housing, and employment. We use a three-pronged approach—what we call “defense, offense, and dreaming”—to serve individual clients, build power, and catalyze systemic solutions.

What’s Happening at DJC

A flyer for the DJC Mental Health Partner Convening on 12/11/24 and 12/12/24

DJC’s Mental Health Partner Convening

The Detroit Justice Center (DJC) is excited to invite you to our upcoming Mental Health...
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DJC's spark logo with the words Detroit Justice Center in grey on the right

Post 2024 Election Statement

The Detroit Justice Center is committed to creating equitable and just cities, meaning cities where...
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An illustration of a pink megaphone on a green background.

DJC Solidarity Statement with U of M Protesters

The Detroit Justice Center (DJC) stands in solidarity with the pro-Palestinian protesters at the University...
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Midwest Community Land Trust Conference Recap

In early October, our Economic Equity attorneys, Mark J Bennett, and Eric Williams, traveled to...
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Explanation Of Michigan Housing Law

Our legal services attorneys have noticed that many of our clients face similar issues in...
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An arial view of the Wayne County Criminal Justice Complex from above.

An Unjust City Prioritizes Incarceration Over Housing

In order to build a just city, we must begin by prioritizing the needs of...
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