Episode 4 – Marc M. Howard

Marc Howard is a Professor of Government and Law at Georgetown University and a leading proponent of Criminal Justice Reform. He not only teaches university students about the criminal justice system but also teaches students in prions. As part of his course “Prisons and Punishment,” he takes students to the Jessup Correctional Institution in Maryland to speak to prisoners serving life sentences. In this episode, Howard relates the incredible story of a close friend who was wrongfully convicted, and how that experience launched his work in this field. We discuss fundamental flaws in sentencing, and Howard shares his experience teaching in and out of prison. We also talk about what it means to be a “lifer” and his experiences with young convicts serving life sentences.  We conclude by discussing the power of educating prisoners as part of a more rehabilitative approach. 

I hope this episode will show listeners how the criminal justice system as it currently operates discourages success and rehabilitation among prisoners. I want the audience to understand the power of education and providing opportunities to those in prison. I also hope this episode will convince listeners that long sentences are a mistake, especially when they are applied to young people.