Compassionate release programs offer people serving long-term sentences the chance at freedom. Adopted by 49 states in varying forms, compassionate release is primarily designed for older incarcerated people with terminal illnesses.
In 2022, over 186,000 people incarcerated in state and federal prisons were 55 or older, five times the number three decades ago, according to a study by the U.S. Department of Justice. The Injustice Project reports there are more Americans serving a life sentence today than there were in prison at all in 1970.
State and federal facilities struggle to meet increasing demand for adequate care. People aging behind bars are more likely to have chronic illnesses or disabilities that require assisted living or mobility aids. Meanwhile, many facilities lack wheelchair-accessible housing.
Supporters argue there are fiscal benefits to compassionate release, because one less person in prison can result in significant savings for a state government.
Moreover, the American Bar Association found that during the pandemic, over 11,000 individuals were released from federal prison through compassionate release. By August of 2022, only 17 of those released had committed another offense.
PJP is sharing a collection of five stories to help readers better understand compassionate release.
“A Letter to the Court: A Case for Compassionate Release” by Jessica Antunez: “Many correctional officers and staff members are overworked and emotions are running high. We are being barked at like animals. This situation is not healthy for anyone involved.”
“Ailing 80-Year-Old Veteran Deserves Compassionate Release” by Rodney Baylis: “Through his dedication and commitment, Freddie has had a positive influence on young incarcerated people. And he continues to make an impact, changing lives for the better. Our greatest fear is seeing him needlessly die in prison.”
“It’s Time to Forgive and Free Older People in Prison” by Antwann Lamont Johnson: “[I believe that] many inmates who have died, or could have had their diagnosis treated sooner, would have received adequate treatment in society.”
“Waiting to Die” by Fernando Rivas Martinez: “Even in the midst of a lethal pandemic we are willing to let thousands of old, poor and undesirable die just so that we can hang on to our grand illusion of eternally greater profit, economic stability and empty-headed amusements.”
“A Closer Look at New Jersey’s COVID-19 Compassionate Release” by Tariq MaQbool: “The release was positioned as an act of mercy, but it was as misplaced as the prisoners who looked lost standing outside the NJSP front entrance holding their property bags.”