Millions of Americans have experienced incarceration, and the journey after release is fraught with obstacles. PBS NewsHour’s documentary, “Searching for Justice: Life After Lockup,” sheds light on these difficulties, following four individuals as they navigate life after prison. If you’re looking for Where To Watch Life After Lockup, this insightful program is a must-see.
The United States holds the unfortunate distinction of having the world’s largest prison population. Data from the World Prison Brief reveals over 2 million people are incarcerated in the U.S., and the incarceration rate is also the highest globally, with 629 out of every 100,000 people behind bars. Returning to society after incarceration is not a simple transition. Formerly incarcerated individuals face a complex web of restrictions that hinder their reintegration. The National Inventory of Collateral Consequences of Conviction lists over 44,000 laws and policies across the U.S. that place limitations on people with criminal convictions.
Recidivism is a significant concern, highlighting the challenges of re-entry. Research indicates that approximately two-thirds of individuals released from state prisons are rearrested within three years, according to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Statistics. This cycle underscores the systemic issues and individual struggles that persist after release.
As Reuben Jonathan Miller, an associate professor at the University of Chicago, explains in the documentary, societal fear plays a role in these challenges: “We’ve taught ourselves to be afraid of people who’ve broken the law,” he states. “We govern through fear.”
“Searching for Justice: Life After Lockup” offers a crucial perspective on these issues. Originally broadcast on Wednesday, April 13, at 10 p.m. Eastern on PBS NewsHour, you can still watch “Searching for Justice: Life After Lockup” online. Visit the PBS NewsHour website to find the full documentary and explore the “Searching for Justice” series for more in-depth reporting. Understanding the realities of life after lockup is the first step towards meaningful change and support for formerly incarcerated individuals.
