ABSTRACT
Joseph Lascaze describes parts of his experience of incarceration, including time in solitary confinement and other disciplinary units. He discusses the dehumanizing effects of prison life, especially the unchecked power of corrections officers and racism, and explains why those conditions are counterproductive in preparing people to reenter society. He also discusses programs that helped create better outcomes. Now an advocate for prison reform working with the ACLU’s Smart Justice program, Lascaze concludes with a list of ways to address the problems in the justice system.
