S3E11: Death by Incarceration: Felix Rosado on Life Sentences and Restorative Justice

Sentenced to life without parole at 18, Felix Rosado spent nearly 27 years in prison before his sentence was commuted. In this episode of Just Justice, Felix reflects on the moment he realized what a life sentence truly meant, what's wrong with "death by incarceration," and how restorative justice transformed his understanding of accountability and change. Now a restorative justice practitioner and educator, Felix discusses healing, responsibility, and why true justice must go beyond punishment to repair harm and rebuild relationships.

For more information about Let's Circle Up, go to: https://www.letscircleup.org/our-history

To get your copy of Justice From the Inside Up: A Restorative Justice Education Facilitator's Manual, by Felix Rosdao, go to https://livingjusticepress.org/product/justice-from-the-inside-up/.

For more about Jessica Henry, go to her website at jessicahenryjustce.com.

Production Editor: Kaz Araki

In this episode of Just Justice, host Jessica Henry speaks with April Barber-Scales, who was sentenced to life without parole in 1991 as a frightened, pregnant teenager. After more than thirty years in prison, April received a rare commutation in 2022 from North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. Since her release, April has devoted herself to advocating for people in prison and challenging extreme sentencing practices. She is the founder of the nonprofit Fenced In: Fighting For Freedom Advocacy and author of multiple books, including her memoir of the same name. In this moving episode, April shares her personal experiences if incarceration, reflects on the lasting impact of extreme sentences on children, and makes a powerful case for a justice system that leaves room for dignity, accountability and second chances.

To learn more about April Barber-Scales, her writing, and Fenced In: Fighting For Freedom Advocacy, visit to https://aprilbarberscales.com

To learn more Jessica Henry, visit https://jessicahenryjustice.com

Audio mixing by Kaz Araki.

To learn more about Emilie's work, go to Re:Frame at https://www.reframeconsults.com/about-emile

Pick up your copy of Ghosts in the Criminal Justice Machine here.

To learn more about Jessica Henry, go to www.jessicahenryjustice.com.

Audio mixing by Kaz Araki