Redefining American Justice | The Atlantic Festival 2025

As criminal justice reform efforts gain momentum, why have so many struggled to deliver lasting safety, accountability, and fairness? This forum explores how lived experience, public will, and new ideas are reshaping the national conversation. Elizabeth Bruenig, staff writer at The Atlantic, investigates how the American legal system defines accountability and retribution through deeply reported narratives. Joining her is Sarah Gregory, who brings firsthand experience with the justice system and advocates for solutions grounded in the realities of those most affected. Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative and a leading voice in the movement for reform, has spent decades challenging injustice and inequality in courts and prisons. Through personal stories, investigative insights, and expert analysis, this conversation moves beyond what’s broken to consider what’s possible in the future of American justice.

This session will also feature a conversation produced by our underwriter the MacArthur Foundation.

Speakers include:

Elizabeth Bruenig, Staff Writer, The Atlantic

Bryan Stevenson, Founder and Executive Director, Equal Justice Initiative

Sarah Gregory, Criminal Justice Reform Advocate and Social-Work Professional

Jenisha Watts, Senior Editor, The Atlantic

Clint Smith, Staff Writer, The Atlantic

Andrea Armstrong*, Dr. Norman C. Francis Distinguished Professor of Law at Loyola University New Orleans, College of Law and a 2023 MacArthur Fellow

Bria L. Gillum*, Senior Program Officer, Criminal Justice, MacArthur Foundation

*This session is produced by our underwriter and is independent of The Atlantic’s editorial staff.

The Atlantic Festival brings the brand’s essential journalism to life on stage through dynamic conversations, exclusive screenings, and engaging performances. Expect rigorous dialogue with influential voices in politics, culture, business, technology, and media—plus opportunities to connect with other curious, thoughtful attendees.

The 2025 lineup includes Scott Galloway, Richard Ayoade with David Letterman, H.R. McMaster, Clara Wu Tsai, Arvind Krishna, Jennifer Doudna, Monica Lewinsky, Catherine Coleman Flowers, Bryan Stevenson, Dr. Becky Kennedy, and many more. Atlantic journalists including Jeffrey Goldberg, Jemele Hill, Vann Newkirk, and Sophie Gilbert will moderate and lead discussions.

Explore the full event