JOSH: on art in prison, attempted murder, and mandatory minimum sentencing in Oregon
2h 1m | May 21, 2021How do you value your time? When is one redeemable and at what cost? Josh was sentenced to 7.5 years in prison for attempted murder and served his time from age 19 to 27. This is not a perspective on prison abolitionism but pay per service prison fare. It is a story about ‘day for day sentencing’ (i.e. no time off for any reason) also known as mandatory minimum sentencing and limiting judicial discretion. Yet Josh tells of his resilient account on surviving prison while discovering a creative talent in a hostile and austere place. He talks about leveraging his art skills and gaining useful experiences inside leading to success on the outside; but not without barriers. He tells of his experience giving back through community organization and mentorship and shares his story about Oregon Mandatory Sentences (aka Measure 11) along with some deleterious effects of coercion and fear tactics in pre-trial resolutions.
References
Seductions Of Crime: Moral And Sensual Attractions In Doing Evil
