Hi, this is Jonah, the senior producer of this piece. I’ve heard the term “life without parole” my entire life. But until recently I had just assumed it was a fact of life - something we couldn’t change. But Robert Richardson convinced me otherwise. In our video, Robert doesn’t deny that he did wrong. He even uses the phrase, "Don't do the crime if you can't do the time." But he argues that life sentences without parole are counterproductive -- for the prisoner and society alike -- and should be prohibited. Robert’s story shows how excessive sentencing wastes taxpayer funds and irreversibly harms families. Let me know what you think in the comments.
The truth is, we punish everyone else for his crime. It is the family who pays for the human shaped hole that is left by taking him out of society. This is generational punishment. We need a system that is focused on reformation, protection, and healing rather than punishment. Studies show that even victims generally prefer less harsh punishments.
@@FayeKu well said. A few weeks ago I visited Quin Jones on death row, th-cam.com/video/NOJzyvOrh8I/w-d-xo.html and even in that case, which was murder, the family of the victim wanted reform. They were ignored.
The harm to families is true, but it makes no sense to use it as an argument for life without parole. That's a part of the risk you take. The kids need to be taught that their parents are fully aware of the consequences for crimes they commit, rather than teach them to focus on how worse off they are.
Shouldn't there be an exception to this rule? I think a vast majority of Americans would agree that the Ghislaine Maxwells, Ariel Castros, Joseph James DeAngelos of the world, etc. should never be let out of prison, regardless of the likelihood they might offend again. Would this rule apply to even the worst of criminals, like them?
Same in germany. Only people who would be a harm to society (mostly psychopaths) can get longer sentences. The german supreme court even ruled that live without parole, life or solitary confinement are violations of the human dignity.
For $ 5,000, such a harsh punishment? There is a really strict law in the US. In other countries, the law is much lighter, especially in Europe. They get suspended sentences for the theft of millions of dollars.
This made me realise that Jailing systems around the world are centred around the idea that the accuser needs to pay for his deeds with his mental health and social separation. And not that making him realise what wrong he did and how much productive and resourceful he can be if guided well. Our incarceration systems have remained same with changing times. Rather than the quantity of years in prison, they should focus on the lesser years but with better counselling.
I went to high school with a guy, who killed his ex-wife's lover at a wedding reception in Reva Virginia. He did less than ten years; for losing a fistfight then going to his car and getting a pistol and killing Steve Smith Jr. Shot him in the chest, I was right there. The image of that murder still haunts me. But 60 years for bank robbery first offense??????????????????
One would think after 20 years in prison, someone would be interested if something changed. But apparently the interest and trust in the own correction system is so low, that there is life without parole.
I believe that most people, maybe not all people but like almost all people can be changed. I think if we can rehabilitate people into society, even murderers can become better people. If there's sufficient evidence that they genuinely have changed, I think they shouldn't have to die in prison after having their change of heart.
@@Cadian045 I think the difference is that a serial killer will often have an underlying severe problem that may need very extensive treatment, or may be untreatable. An example would be psychopathy, which doesn't really have a cure or effective treatment currently. People who can't be helped just can't be accepted back into society
@@navidfarkhondehpay1142 Yes, but some people who have done exessive stuff such as murder or torture or terrorism shouldn't be let out. This is because then people would fear getting put in jail less which could lead to a generally more dangerous society. Hencec, we should keep some types of people in jail for the betterment of all.
If people could see these type of movies/documentaries regularly on tv etc, even just short clips during advertisments or in between other programss, then surely it would make people think better when considering doing a crime. Prevention is better than cure. Government sponsored warning clips that show people who failed to think good and are in prison, just like this. I don't know anything about American tv etc but UK will often have short clips dedicated to making people aware of simple things like drinking driving, telephone scams, vulnerable people opening doors to strangers etc. Regularly showing these type of things we see here would make people think again before doing the crime. This video hits home about this man's wasted life. It would be a good warning for others who become tempted.
Not a bad idea, but a bit naive. There will always be corrupt/evil/bad people in this world. Sometimes people learn the hard way what happens when they do crime, others never get caught and sentenced. Not a bad idea though, but it cant stop the inevitable. I would only want these guys to get a 2nd chance, especially since they are very old cases, where the punishment doesnt fit the crime.
@@GodlyEddy Your comment is unnecessary. You may aswell be trying to teach that water is wet. Have you been in prison? Do you have an understanding of a criminal mind? Are you a criminal psychologists? Do you even have a social circle of criminal friends? How do you claim yourself to be a specialist? You seem to be a crusading wannabe. To call me naive about the criminal mind makes you super dumb. You have no idea what I know.
I recieved life without parole when I was labeled as disabled and no body on this planet offers real employment opportunities to those with disabilities unless you have powerful connections. No trial, no real sentence, just a name on a list that utterly destroys ones life. Life without the possiblity of enjoyments, owning a home, owning a car that isn't filled with rat droppings, a lifetime of discrimination. No crime necessary, and if your lucky you get a stalker like the MAGA or Qanaon, racists, organizations stalk you, poison you, and destroy everything you worked for all to fulfill the sick minds of true psychopathy. Bipolar and aspergers is my crime for being born, no filter, just being human. America is cruel, to be disabled in America is a slow death sentence.
Lets work and pray for the justice system in the world, but in America especially, to be a tool for the betterment of society, and not a tool for those with malice and hate in their heart. Two years later and this argument is as relevant as ever.
In the UK, a life sentence for say Murder is 15 years, 30 minimum for multiple counts or murder with a knife. If the crime was so heinous (killers and terrorists like Ian Brady and Michael Adebolajo), the Home Secretary can apply for a Whole Life Order that is natural life. But that's for the worst of the worst. The downside is that Degrees don't exist, meaning a school shooter and a vengeful battered woman would be sentenced the same length if they killed a single person.
I only have sympathy for innocent people who are convicted. If you rob someone by shoving a gun in their face and scaring them for life, then life without parole is what you deserve.
If you have a loved one who is serving life without parole comment below so we can show how many of are stuck behind those walls without any hope Robert Stanback from North Carolina. Drove a get away car 16 years ago got life with no parole.
@@chrissnape9537 I know right poor guy should have gotten like 20M for that like thank god 60 years hasn't past cause he would be dead for a dumb broken justice system
Some people do not belong anywhere near others. Repeated offenders, murderers and rapists. It does get granular, but some folks do deserve 60 years or as long as possible away from society.
“Do the crime, pay the time” says the lazy simpleton who can’t see nuance, who fears their neighbor, who lives in privilege, and who respects life as little as those who pull the trigger.
Prison exists to keep those of us not committing crimes against other human beings from becoming victims. Life without parole obviously keeps the public safer since incarcerated criminals cannot reoffend.
Bro, you are lucky that you got out before Gov. Edwards left office or you would still be in prison and may have never left alive is you didn't make it to 90. This current governor would not have granted you clemency. I do wish you the best for the rest of your life.
From a European perspective I firmly concur that your system makes little to no sense. And is also way less humane in that is based on punishment instead of rehabilitation. The death penalty in a civilised society shouldn't be a thing. And the perspective of reeducation of inmates should drive you away from allowing sentencing so harsh in the hope of preventing crimes (which, it's a fact in 2021, is not effective). Also, as in the Italian system, 99,9% of the inmates should be granted the possibility of suspension of the penalty, benefit to work out of the prison, decrease on the penalty on the base of the progress in rehabilitation and good behaviour while incarcerated. But to actually go as far as to abolish life imprisonment without parole would be impractical and very risky. I agree it should be very very limited to specific circumstances. But it should be a possibility. Italy has a very similar measure called "ergastolo ostativo" and the European Court for Human Rights has criticised its application, so it should be reformed. At the same time even in Italy (a place where a murder is punishable by as few as 21 years in prison with all the benefits I cited above) life imprisonment without parole is necessary. It's primarily used for mafias' members (usually only high ranking and non collaborative) and terrorists. The same should be applied to your country: there are certain groups of people that because of their social environment or affiliation will not get out of crime. Never. In certain parts of your country the example could be the one of some gangs and its members. Or mafias, you have them too.
Especially in a time where you can ride your bike into Wallmart, steal $900 worth of gear and ride back out as nothing happened. Well only if you are of a certain persuasion.
You are good man. Blessings of Love to you and your family. I send you warm wishes and thank you for your work here. I read where Portugal has a positive supportive system for drug offenders that helps people. Thanks again.
In comparison to what he stole, $5,000 that sentence was too high. I have to wonder what all that time would have cost his state if he had served the full term. I am not against life sentences or even the death penalty but the sentence has to be relative.
“But because armed robber is considered a crime of violence. . . .” As if it shouldn’t be so considered. And what difference foes it make of the racial composition if inmates? Should we work to eliminate gender differences in inmates? I completely agree that sentences are often too long (although I’d like to know about his criminal history prior to the armed robbery). But the woke rationale is disgusting.
It looks like they didn’t commit the same crime though. She dropped him at the bank and was supposed to act as a driver but was told to by her husband to leave, according to Nola.com. You should give the article a read, www.nola.com/news/crime_police/article_8b231d2b-cec0-5faa-b778-173e2712437d.html
@@williamstewart7399 you are correct, good article. Assuming no priors, they both got way too much time. Bank robbery, while serious because gunplay is a likely result, shouldn't have merited what they got. Tampering with a jury -- even by federal standards -- doesn't merit more than 6 - 24 months (which personally, I think is too little).
The best investing strategy is to engage in an investment which gives you time to go about your other plans, of which we can term that an advanced investment. I am currently involved in one where I earn 4 figures every 8 days
There are more resources required to keep this man, (and others like him), in prison, than what was stolen. $6,000/60 = 100yr. $100/12 = $8.33mo “All told, it costs an average of $129.04 a day to house an inmate in the prison system. Although these figures come from California corrections, it is slightly lower in other parts of the country, but not by much.” - legalbeagle.com
Hi, this is Jonah, the senior producer of this piece. I’ve heard the term “life without parole” my entire life. But until recently I had just assumed it was a fact of life - something we couldn’t change. But Robert Richardson convinced me otherwise. In our video, Robert doesn’t deny that he did wrong. He even uses the phrase, "Don't do the crime if you can't do the time." But he argues that life sentences without parole are counterproductive -- for the prisoner and society alike -- and should be prohibited. Robert’s story shows how excessive sentencing wastes taxpayer funds and irreversibly harms families. Let me know what you think in the comments.
The truth is, we punish everyone else for his crime. It is the family who pays for the human shaped hole that is left by taking him out of society. This is generational punishment.
We need a system that is focused on reformation, protection, and healing rather than punishment. Studies show that even victims generally prefer less harsh punishments.
@@FayeKu well said. A few weeks ago I visited Quin Jones on death row, th-cam.com/video/NOJzyvOrh8I/w-d-xo.html and even in that case, which was murder, the family of the victim wanted reform. They were ignored.
The harm to families is true, but it makes no sense to use it as an argument for life without parole. That's a part of the risk you take. The kids need to be taught that their parents are fully aware of the consequences for crimes they commit, rather than teach them to focus on how worse off they are.
Jonah this video is a stunning piece of journalism. The story, message and production are as good as it gets.
Shouldn't there be an exception to this rule? I think a vast majority of Americans would agree that the Ghislaine Maxwells, Ariel Castros, Joseph James DeAngelos of the world, etc. should never be let out of prison, regardless of the likelihood they might offend again. Would this rule apply to even the worst of criminals, like them?
I think life without parole should be reserved for murder or serial rapists, not armed robbery.
Unless someone is killed
@@mohammedkhan2303 then it is murder wtf
@@mohammedkhan2303 yeah my guy that falls under murder like Andrea B said LOL
Glad you got out. Canada life is 25 years there is one exception for dangerous offenders and that is only for the worst of the worst
Same in germany. Only people who would be a harm to society (mostly psychopaths) can get longer sentences. The german supreme court even ruled that live without parole, life or solitary confinement are violations of the human dignity.
For $ 5,000, such a harsh punishment? There is a really strict law in the US. In other countries, the law is much lighter, especially in Europe. They get suspended sentences for the theft of millions of dollars.
This country hates poor people
This made me realise that Jailing systems around the world are centred around the idea that the accuser needs to pay for his deeds with his mental health and social separation. And not that making him realise what wrong he did and how much productive and resourceful he can be if guided well. Our incarceration systems have remained same with changing times. Rather than the quantity of years in prison, they should focus on the lesser years but with better counselling.
Americans do you realize how bad this makes your judicial system look to citizens of other first world countries?
Yes, yes we do.
America is not a first world country. They're a third world country wearing a gucci belt.
I went to high school with a guy, who killed his ex-wife's lover at a wedding reception in Reva Virginia. He did less than ten years; for losing a fistfight then going to his car and getting a pistol and killing Steve Smith Jr. Shot him in the chest, I was right there. The image of that murder still haunts me. But 60 years for bank robbery first offense??????????????????
One would think after 20 years in prison, someone would be interested if something changed. But apparently the interest and trust in the own correction system is so low, that there is life without parole.
This is terrible for the first lad getting 60 years-- so so bad🥺😢
How long should any person get for a crime like this?
but still stuff like murder should have life without parole
I believe that most people, maybe not all people but like almost all people can be changed. I think if we can rehabilitate people into society, even murderers can become better people. If there's sufficient evidence that they genuinely have changed, I think they shouldn't have to die in prison after having their change of heart.
Serial killers: yes
Someone who killed one person for whatever reason: no
@@Cadian045 I think the difference is that a serial killer will often have an underlying severe problem that may need very extensive treatment, or may be untreatable. An example would be psychopathy, which doesn't really have a cure or effective treatment currently. People who can't be helped just can't be accepted back into society
@@navidfarkhondehpay1142 Yes, but some people who have done exessive stuff such as murder or torture or terrorism shouldn't be let out. This is because then people would fear getting put in jail less which could lead to a generally more dangerous society. Hencec, we should keep some types of people in jail for the betterment of all.
Na death penalty
I believe that everyone has a nice and calm side to them, even people who may commit violent crimes. This story is crazy, in a sad way.
If people could see these type of movies/documentaries regularly on tv etc, even just short clips during advertisments or in between other programss, then surely it would make people think better when considering doing a crime. Prevention is better than cure.
Government sponsored warning clips that show people who failed to think good and are in prison, just like this.
I don't know anything about American tv etc but UK will often have short clips dedicated to making people aware of simple things like drinking driving, telephone scams, vulnerable people opening doors to strangers etc.
Regularly showing these type of things we see here would make people think again before doing the crime.
This video hits home about this man's wasted life. It would be a good warning for others who become tempted.
Not a bad idea, but a bit naive. There will always be corrupt/evil/bad people in this world. Sometimes
people learn the hard way what happens when they do crime, others never get caught and sentenced.
Not a bad idea though, but it cant stop the inevitable. I would only want these guys to get a 2nd chance, especially
since they are very old cases, where the punishment doesnt fit the crime.
@@GodlyEddy Your comment is unnecessary. You may aswell be trying to teach that water is wet.
Have you been in prison? Do you have an understanding of a criminal mind? Are you a criminal psychologists? Do you even have a social circle of criminal friends?
How do you claim yourself to be a specialist?
You seem to be a crusading wannabe.
To call me naive about the criminal mind makes you super dumb. You have no idea what I know.
60 years fo an armed robbery is just to much and I cant believe that it this is possible. Especially in a country like the US
Agree. Most murderers don't get as much time, unless it's particularly heinous.
I recieved life without parole when I was labeled as disabled and no body on this planet offers real employment opportunities to those with disabilities unless you have powerful connections. No trial, no real sentence, just a name on a list that utterly destroys ones life. Life without the possiblity of enjoyments, owning a home, owning a car that isn't filled with rat droppings, a lifetime of discrimination. No crime necessary, and if your lucky you get a stalker like the MAGA or Qanaon, racists, organizations stalk you, poison you, and destroy everything you worked for all to fulfill the sick minds of true psychopathy. Bipolar and aspergers is my crime for being born, no filter, just being human. America is cruel, to be disabled in America is a slow death sentence.
Boycott Red States. Make rural Republicans pay a tax to visit a city.
?? Are you stupid 😂 Read the Fifth amendment bozo
@@matimi0sbackflip455 okay, locals only discount in cities.
@@SolaceEasy lol please read the Fourteenth amendment.
@@SolaceEasy then read Title 7 of The Civil Rights Act of 1964
@@SolaceEasy typical blue state resident 😅 think they know more than they actually do.
Lets work and pray for the justice system in the world, but in America especially, to be a tool for the betterment of society, and not a tool for those with malice and hate in their heart. Two years later and this argument is as relevant as ever.
60 years? Unbelievable for a first time offense. He was essentially handed a death sentence over a mere $5k.
In the UK, a life sentence for say Murder is 15 years, 30 minimum for multiple counts or murder with a knife. If the crime was so heinous (killers and terrorists like Ian Brady and Michael Adebolajo), the Home Secretary can apply for a Whole Life Order that is natural life. But that's for the worst of the worst. The downside is that Degrees don't exist, meaning a school shooter and a vengeful battered woman would be sentenced the same length if they killed a single person.
I only have sympathy for innocent people who are convicted. If you rob someone by shoving a gun in their face and scaring them for life, then life without parole is what you deserve.
Life in prison for 5000 dollars robbed is just plain unjustifiable mate. 10 to 20 years would already be pretty disproportionate...
@@antoinemonestier7478 Mental scarring is for life. Count yourself lucky you haven't be robbed and threatened.
Antoine Monestier easy to say when you aren’t a victim of an armed robbery. Classic.
I actually have been once threatened with a knife and robbed... I still think nobody should be locked up for life for a couple thousand bucks.
What is the benefit of imprisoning someone for life for scaring someone? Does it make you feel more safe that there are millions of people in prisons?
The son sounds like a newscaster lol. Great piece
If you have a loved one who is serving life without parole comment below so we can show how many of are stuck behind those walls without any hope
Robert Stanback from North Carolina.
Drove a get away car 16 years ago got life with no parole.
Do the crime, do the time. Prison is also about punishment.
Sixty years might be a bit too long though.
ok boomer
@@yungjoemighty879 GenX
@@aped not the insult you think it is.
Nobody should get 60 years for that. If there was no violence.
60 years for getting 5k??? like it will make sense if he robbed 8M but that's pretty stupid
Even 8 million I bet he would have got less. Taking someone's life away like that is crazy. Who was the judge. Thank God the governor let him go
@@chrissnape9537 I know right poor guy should have gotten like 20M for that like thank god 60 years hasn't past cause he would be dead for a dumb broken justice system
Being pointed with a gun is very violent, idk what are you talking about.
@@franchi5102 not 60 years worth I do understand your point
Some people do not belong anywhere near others. Repeated offenders, murderers and rapists. It does get granular, but some folks do deserve 60 years or as long as possible away from society.
Oh my god my tax dollars are wasted on locking good people aware for three decades 😭😭😭 I an going nuts here.
“Do the crime, pay the time” says the lazy simpleton who can’t see nuance, who fears their neighbor, who lives in privilege, and who respects life as little as those who pull the trigger.
There are murderers and rapists with nothing close to that time. Sick
*To all those reading this, hope you have an awesome day! Remember, you are capable, intelligent, and have unlimited potential!*
What a crock. Wake up to reality or your world will come crashing down around you.
Everytime they say life without parole does more harm than good, they switch to something else and never elaborate
ikr!
Huge cost to taxpayers, both in maintaining the prison and in losing tax revenue from potentially productive, rehabilitated inmates.
@@Cyberspine Agree or not, at least this is an argument. But the video fails to provide such arguments
@@brianlam257 because it’s an opinion piece and not a report?
@@mohit_panjwani You make a point, then you explain your point so people understand why it's justified. It's as simple as that
Prison exists to keep those of us not committing crimes against other human beings from becoming victims. Life without parole obviously keeps the public safer since incarcerated criminals cannot reoffend.
True, but unless you've made a career out of being a criminal or beyond redemption, you don't really deserve a harsh sentence.
Bro, you are lucky that you got out before Gov. Edwards left office or you would still be in prison and may have never left alive is you didn't make it to 90. This current governor would not have granted you clemency. I do wish you the best for the rest of your life.
I'm speechless!
From a European perspective I firmly concur that your system makes little to no sense. And is also way less humane in that is based on punishment instead of rehabilitation. The death penalty in a civilised society shouldn't be a thing. And the perspective of reeducation of inmates should drive you away from allowing sentencing so harsh in the hope of preventing crimes (which, it's a fact in 2021, is not effective). Also, as in the Italian system, 99,9% of the inmates should be granted the possibility of suspension of the penalty, benefit to work out of the prison, decrease on the penalty on the base of the progress in rehabilitation and good behaviour while incarcerated.
But to actually go as far as to abolish life imprisonment without parole would be impractical and very risky. I agree it should be very very limited to specific circumstances. But it should be a possibility. Italy has a very similar measure called "ergastolo ostativo" and the European Court for Human Rights has criticised its application, so it should be reformed. At the same time even in Italy (a place where a murder is punishable by as few as 21 years in prison with all the benefits I cited above) life imprisonment without parole is necessary. It's primarily used for mafias' members (usually only high ranking and non collaborative) and terrorists. The same should be applied to your country: there are certain groups of people that because of their social environment or affiliation will not get out of crime. Never. In certain parts of your country the example could be the one of some gangs and its members. Or mafias, you have them too.
Yeah, US System is broken af.
If you think we mishandle criminal justice and education, wait until you find out how we run medical care.
3:10 oh my I was like that person sure is talking weird. It’s like he’s trained his voice to sound that way. Just weird.
I think he's just reading a script, probably his own, and wants to talk in a Obamaesque way.
Fry em.
Oh I saw this documentary on Amazon.
Wish they did this for embezzlement which takes $3 million or more.
Don't do the crime if you can't do the time.
ok boomer
@@yungjoemighty879 Ok crook
Great Job New York times
what about the person is a serial killer or child murder
Especially in a time where you can ride your bike into Wallmart, steal $900 worth of gear and ride back out as nothing happened. Well only if you are of a certain persuasion.
What do you mean by “a certain persuasion”?
You stay classy Louisiana
I thought he looked familiar, as soon as i noticedthe braces. One of his sons is a dentist. “Time” was a FIRE documentary and Sibil’s NOLA accent 🔥🔥
Hello everyone! Have a great afternoon.
You are good man. Blessings of Love to you and your family. I send you warm wishes and thank you for your work here. I read where Portugal has a positive supportive system for drug offenders that helps people. Thanks again.
Hello Kathleen
How you doing ?
criminal idk
Doesn't USA even still has death sentence for some reason?
Many countries do. Not just America.
The other countries on that list do not cast America in a flattering light.
In comparison to what he stole, $5,000 that sentence was too high. I have to wonder what all that time would have cost his state if he had served the full term. I am not against life sentences or even the death penalty but the sentence has to be relative.
WHY NO TRANSGENDER REPORTERS!
U don’t the crime u pay the time baby
Agree 100%
First r
C-SPAN Democrat-controlled from top to bottom just ask Steve Scully
True
“But because armed robber is considered a crime of violence. . . .” As if it shouldn’t be so considered. And what difference foes it make of the racial composition if inmates? Should we work to eliminate gender differences in inmates? I completely agree that sentences are often too long (although I’d like to know about his criminal history prior to the armed robbery). But the woke rationale is disgusting.
It looks like they didn’t commit the same crime though. She dropped him at the bank and was supposed to act as a driver but was told to by her husband to leave, according to Nola.com.
You should give the article a read,
www.nola.com/news/crime_police/article_8b231d2b-cec0-5faa-b778-173e2712437d.html
@@williamstewart7399 you are correct, good article. Assuming no priors, they both got way too much time. Bank robbery, while serious because gunplay is a likely result, shouldn't have merited what they got. Tampering with a jury -- even by federal standards -- doesn't merit more than 6 - 24 months (which personally, I think is too little).
The best investing strategy is to engage in an investment which gives you time to go about your other plans, of which we can term that an advanced investment. I am currently involved in one where I earn 4 figures every 8 days
But what way is that?can you give some idea?am open for investment suggestions
Can you please tell me more about this forex? I'm new to all this.
Can you please tell me more insight? Have you been so successful in trading forex ?
I know about Mr Steve smith trading, I have already made up to $54k with her help. This is just my 3rd month though.
Can I work with your trader Mr Steve smith?I would love to invest with him.
There are more resources required to keep this man, (and others like him), in prison, than what was stolen.
$6,000/60 = 100yr.
$100/12 = $8.33mo
“All told, it costs an average of $129.04 a day to house an inmate in the prison system. Although these figures come from California corrections, it is slightly lower in other parts of the country, but not by much.” - legalbeagle.com