why people end up in prison
A big reason people go to prison, even if they didn’t do anything dangerous.
poverty and a lack of resources
In this place, prisoners may not be allowed to talk or even eat when they want.
solitary confinement
This person decides if someone stays in jail before trial or gets to go home.
the judge
This group helps people who just got out of prison find jobs and housing.
re-entry programs
the play we went to go watch
confederates
People who don’t have this often get stuck in jail longer, even for small crimes.
money
In many prisons, prisoners only get this many hours of outdoor time per day.
1 hour
Some judges set this too high, so poor people can’t afford to get out.
bail
This is the word for trying to fix the system instead of just punishing people.
restorative justice
a old film
the attica
Kids who grow up around crime or poverty often get caught up in this cycle.
school to prison pipeline
This word means being alone in a small cell all day, which can hurt your mind.
isolation
This type of lawyer helps people who can’t afford to hire one.
public defender
One way to help people stay out of prison is giving them help with this.
mental health therapy
another film
Shawshank redemption
This group of people is treated unfairly in the justice system more than others.
people of color
Many prisoners struggle with this kind of health
mental health
This kind of sentence makes someone stay in prison their whole life.
life sentence
Helping people feel like they belong again is part of this kind of justice.
restorative justice
Some people say this word instead of “prison” to sound more official.
correctional facility
One surprising thing we learned: prisoners often feel forgotten by this group.
their families
Sometimes trials don’t happen because people are pressured to take one of these.
a plea deal
Programs like Nation Outside help with this kind of plan after someone gets out.
re-entry plans