The College hosts many conferences, as well as lectures, workshops and symposia, on a range of topics to promote national, international and interdisciplinary exploration of justice issues in their broadest sense. These events aspire to bring together scholars, practitioners, government leaders, justice advocates and international organizations. John Jay also regularly serves as a venue for political debates, press conferences, performances and presentations that draw in the community to campus. Over the course of its 50-year history, John Jay has made, and continues to make, an indelible impact on the local, national and worldwide stages. Some examples of past conferences and events include:

Literature and Law Conference

From Punishment to Public Health (P2PH)

Interdisciplinary Roundtable on Punitiveness in America

Restorative Practices in Action: A Conference for School and Justice Practitioners

Biennial Latina/o Literary Theory & Criticism Conference

Sex Work Initiative

John Jay College Biennial International Conference

John Jay Symposia Series

Immigration and Deportation Initiative

Justice and Injustice in America