Episode 237: Vengeance Is Not Justice

The death penalty does not deter crime yet 39 states still commit the barbaric practice. Although in recent polls Americans believe the death penalty is applied unfairly, most are still in favor of the practice. To tackle this controversial topic, L. Joy brings Jamila Hodge, the Executive Director of Equal Justice USA, to the front of the class to delve into the social, racial, and economic disparities prevalent in its administration, the historical context, and potential alternative paths to justice. 

Jami highlights the importance of redefining the concept of justice. She emphasizes the need for a system that not only punishes wrongdoers but also paves the path for their healing and reform. Advocating for a shift in focus from vengeance to healing, Jami calls for a more inclusive approach to justice that takes into account the defendant's background, history, and vulnerabilities.

The conversation then veers towards the role of the media in shaping public opinion about the death penalty. TV shows portray a simple narrative of good vs bad, which can often perpetuate harmful stereotypes and stigmas around crime and punishment. Jami argues that we need diverse media platforms to tell stories that challenge these narratives and prompt viewers to look beyond the headlines. 

L. Joy and Jami also discuss key takeaways from the Death Penalty Information Center's annual report. One of the most significant findings of the report is that more Americans now believe that the death penalty is not administered fairly. Despite a slight uptick in executions, the report shows a consistent downward trend over the last decade, indicating a societal shift.

The conversation concludes with a discussion on the actions individuals can take to contribute to the discourse around the death penalty. Hodge underscores the importance of voting, engaging in informed discourse, and advocating for restorative justice practices. 

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READ: Death Penalty Information Center’s annual Death Penalty 2023: Year End Report

READ: Pew Research Center’s 2021 report: Most Americans Favor the Death Penalty Despite Concerns About Its Administration

Jamila Hodge

Jami became EJUSA’s second executive director in 2021 bringing more than 15 years of criminal justice experience as a prosecutor, policy advisor, and technical assistance provider. Her goal is to establish EJUSA as a leader in building solutions to violence outside of the criminal legal system by demonstrating the impact of EJUSA’s work and expanding its reach throughout the country.