John S. Cooper, J.D., M.A.
Safe and Just Michigan
Speaking At
Cooper’s research and advocacy is focused on Michigan’s adult criminal legal system, with an emphasis on strategies to reduce Michigan’s prison and jail populations, remove barriers to successful reentry, and shift resources into programs and services that promote public safety and health.
During his tenure at Safe & Just Michigan, Cooper has led several successful legislative campaigns to reform Michigan’s criminal legal system, including the campaign to enact “objective parole,” 2018 PA 339, and the Michigan "Clean Slate" Campaign, 2020 PA 187-193.
Prior to joining Safe & Just Michigan, Cooper spent seven years as a litigator in the Washington, D.C. office of a large law firm, and served as a law clerk to Hon. Boyce F. Martin, Jr. of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit.
Cooper obtained his juris doctorate from the University of Virginia School of Law after graduating with honors from Calvin College. He lives in his hometown of Grand Rapids, MI with his wife, Julia, and son, Ben.
During his tenure at Safe & Just Michigan, Cooper has led several successful legislative campaigns to reform Michigan’s criminal legal system, including the campaign to enact “objective parole,” 2018 PA 339, and the Michigan "Clean Slate" Campaign, 2020 PA 187-193.
Prior to joining Safe & Just Michigan, Cooper spent seven years as a litigator in the Washington, D.C. office of a large law firm, and served as a law clerk to Hon. Boyce F. Martin, Jr. of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit.
Cooper obtained his juris doctorate from the University of Virginia School of Law after graduating with honors from Calvin College. He lives in his hometown of Grand Rapids, MI with his wife, Julia, and son, Ben.