What if we didn’t judge people by the worst thing they’ve ever done? Our conversation with Dr. Laura Sheppard, JD may change the way you view crime and punishment in America.

Laura didn’t know Azim Khamisa when she began teaching an anti-violence curriculum at a prison in Northern California that included the story of his son Tariq’s killing. Years later, after law school and a career as a post-conviction criminal law and parole specialist, their paths finally crossed.

Laura was the attorney who successfully represented Tony Hicks, the young man who killed Tariq Khamisa, Azim’s only son, at his first parole hearing. Azim and Tariq’s sister, Tasreen, were there in support.

Her career was profoundly shaped by a man she calls her big brother, a “lifer” named Terry, whom her parents mentored in prison for nearly four decades. As a young attorney, she helped secure Terry’s release at his 18th parole hearing.

Over time, Laura came to see that nearly every offender was also a victim of trauma, and that rehabilitation with community support can transform even serious offenders into contributing members of society.

She now advocates for restorative justice as a critical part of America’s criminal justice system, which houses 25% of the world’s prisoners despite having only 4% of the global population.

Forgiveness, she argues, is essential—helping victims process grief and anger, and allowing those who caused harm to shed shame and rebuild their lives.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Peace Thru Forgiveness

• Tariq Khamisa Foundation

• Life Connection Program

• Jericho Circle Project

• Inside Circle

Production Credits:

The Forgiveness Effect is a PeaceThruForgiveness.org production, hosted by Azim Khamisa and Melaina Spitzer.

Produced and edited by Liz Ramos and Melaina Spitzer.

Sound engineering by Vikas Srivastava.

Marketing and production assistants: Farideh Albornoz and Marcus Bonner.

Original music by Austin Ray.

Melaina Spitzer is Executive Editor.

PRISON AND RE-ENTRY PROGRAMS ACCEPTING VOLUNTEERS

Jericho Circle Project Helps reduce violence and crime by supporting emotional healing for incarcerated individuals and returning citizens.

Inside Circle: Supports incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals through restorative practices that foster accountability, connection, and personal transformation

Prison Fellowship  National prison ministry and volunteer network.

Prison Book Program  sends books to incarcerated people nationwide.

The Petey Greene Program  trains student volunteers and community members to serve as academic tutors.

Volunteers of America helps formerly incarcerated individuals transition back to community life.

From Prison Cells to PhDs runs pen pal programs, mentoring, tutoring, and advocacy work.

Inside Out Prison Exchange Program matches college students with incarcerated students for joint learning experiences.

PEN Prison Writing Program offers a mentorship program pairing incarcerated writers with writing teachers.

STATE PROGRAMS

Prison Education Project (PEP) (California) offers academic courses, life skills, and enrichment programs.

Utah Prison Education Project is a leading college-in-prison program in the Mountain West.

SAN DIEGO BASED PROGRAMS

San Diego Workforce Partnership - Reentry Works  runs career centers at East Mesa and Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facilities. 

Community Transition Center (CTC)  helps within the first 48 hours after release.

San Diego Urban League - Re-Entry Program offers employment connections and soft skills training.

Back 2 Work partners with other organizations to provide temporary employment upon re-entry.

San Diego Re-entry Roundtable is an umbrella organization partnering with other re-entry organizations.

YOGA AND MINDFULNESS PROGRAMS

Prison Yoga Project 

Yoga Behind Bars 

Prison Yoga + Meditation 

Ratna Peace Initiative 

Prison Mindfulness Institute 

Satchidananda Ashram Prison Project