Raj Jayadev

Raj Jayadev, a celebrated criminal justice activist, discusses the innovative concept of participatory defense. He emphasizes how families and communities can take an active role in courtrooms, leading to impactful outcomes like reduced charges and alternative rehabilitation programs. The conversation delves into empowering families, the significance of community experts, and the intersection of criminal and immigration justice. Through shared stories, Jayadev illustrates a hopeful vision for challenging mass incarceration and fostering collective resilience.

Raj Jayadev, co-founder of Silicon Valley De-Bug and a MacArthur Fellow, dives into the transformative power of storytelling within communities facing injustice. He discusses 'participatory defense,' a grassroots approach empowering families to support their loved ones in the legal system. Additionally, he highlights the importance of collective action in reshaping power dynamics and combating systemic issues tied to mass incarceration. Throughout the conversation, Jayadev calls for a reimagining of justice rooted in community engagement and shared narratives.

In this conversation, Raj Jayadev, a passionate community organizer, shares his vision for transforming the US court system through participatory defense. He discusses how this grassroots movement empowers families to influence court outcomes, significantly impacting over 4,000 years of potential incarceration. Raj highlights personal stories of community support that have successfully humanized defendants and helped achieve justice. This innovative approach not only advocates for fairness but also reallocates resources towards positive social services, fostering real change.