Up First

The Sunday Story: American parole and one man's case for freedom

04.30.2023 - By NPRPlay

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How much time in prison is enough for a brutal crime? And how do we decide when a prisoner is rehabilitated and deserves to be free?

In 2016, after 30 years of incarceration and seven hearings before an Arizona parole board, Jacob Wideman was finally released from prison. Within months, after a minor violation, Wideman's parole was revoked and he was again put behind bars.

In this episode of The Sunday Story from Up First, we speak to journalist Beth Schwartzapfel about her new podcast Violation from WBUR and The Marshall Project. Schwartzapfel spent years reporting on Wideman's case and the questions it raises about punishment, forgiveness and the American parole system.

Violation is a new podcast by WBUR and The Marshall Project. For more information about Jake's case, including additional documents, photos, and related stories, go to themarshallproject.org/violation and WBUR.org/violation.

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