How would you feel being judged for life by your worst mistake? While we often believe we are compassionate, true compassion must be cultivated, especially for those we don’t know. This lack of empathy is glaringly evident in the criminal justice system, where individuals are defined by a single act. Robin Steinberg argues that no one should be reduced to their worst moment. As the founder and CEO of The Bail Project, she explores how we can rethink justice through compassion. Steinberg shares her experiences as a public defender, representing clients at their lowest points, and recounts their heart-wrenching stories. She challenges us to examine our fears and beliefs about justice and punishment, while also reflecting on her own struggles with compassion and the complexities of advocating for humane justice within a flawed system. This narrative confronts injustice and urges us to rediscover our shared humanity. Steinberg emphasizes that improving the justice system begins when we recognize ourselves in those caught in it, and when we see our children in theirs. Through her journey, she invites us to envision a more compassionate approach to justice.
