S1E19: A Matter of Life, with Dr. Ashley Nellis, Sentencing Scholar

2025-04-29

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This week on Just Justice, we’re taking a hard look at life sentences in America—a country where one in six incarcerated people is serving life behind bars. That’s nearly 200,000 individuals, making the U.S. one of the most punitive nations in the world. Host Jessica Henry sits down with Dr. Ashley Nellis, a leading sentencing expert and soon-to-be Assistant Professor at American University’s School of Public Affairs. Together, we unpack the findings of Ashley's latest "lifer census"—who’s serving life, for what crimes...

This week on Just Justice, we’re taking a hard look at life sentences in America—a country where one in six incarcerated people is serving life behind bars. That’s nearly 200,000 individuals, making the U.S. one of the most punitive nations in the world. Host Jessica Henry sits down with Dr. Ashley Nellis, a leading sentencing expert and soon-to-be Assistant Professor at American University’s School of Public Affairs. Together, we unpack the findings of Ashley's latest "lifer census"—who’s serving life, for what crimes, and why it matters. Plus, Ashley makes a bold call: end life sentences altogether. Tune in for a powerful conversation about justice, reform, and the future of sentencing in America.

Learn More:

Learn more about Dr. Ashley Nellis at her website, www.ashleynellis.com

Read the report: A Matter of Life: the Scope and Impact of Life and Long Term Imprisonment in the United States

Learn more about Jessica Henry at www.jessicahenryjustice.com

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