Name: Lessons from death row inmates
Uploaded: 2012-06-18T15:21:45Z
Duration: 17 min 59 s
Description: What happens before a murder? In looking for ways to reduce death penalty cases, David R. Dow realized that a surprising number of death row inmates had similar biographies. In this talk he proposes a bold plan, one that prevents murders in the first place.

What happens before a murder? In looking for ways to reduce death penalty cases, David R. Dow realized that a surprising number of death row inmates had similar biographies. In this talk he proposes a bold plan, one that prevents murders in the first place.

Lessons from death row inmates

Most people on death row share the same troubled beginnings, often marked by childhood trauma and neglect. In one striking example, a man named Will was living alone at nine after his mother tried to kill him, long before he committed a crime. Early interventions in the lives of vulnerable children could prevent tragedies for victims and perpetrators alike. Focusing resources on care, education, and home life is both a moral and economic imperative.