Life Sentences and Human Stories

This chapter explores the impact of life sentences in Louisiana, especially on people of color, and questions the effectiveness of such sentences as crime deterrents. It introduces The Visiting Room Project, which allows incarcerated individuals to share their personal narratives, revealing their transformative journeys and the trauma they have experienced. Through poignant reflections, including the story of an inmate who mentored others during his decades in prison, the chapter highlights the emotional and social complexities of incarceration, particularly regarding mortality and the stigma surrounding past mistakes.