Lost in the System | Fault Lines

Speedy justice and the right-to-counsel are the backbone of the US criminal justice system. But a majority of the men and women locked up in America's 3,000 jails are there before even having a trial.
Many are locked up only because they are too poor to afford bail. They are legally innocent, but find themselves waiting for their day in court behind bars.
In the meantime, they are separated from their families, may lose their jobs or their homes, experience the trauma of incarceration, incur debts, and may plead guilty - even when innocent - just to get out of jail.
With nearly 12 million jail admissions a year, courts are backlogged and public defender systems across the country are overloaded.
Fault Lines travels to New York, Mississippi and California to investigate pretrial justice at the county level and incarceration before conviction.
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[@bobsmith5441]

The public defender is very compassionate - touching to see.

[@tracysullivan3715]

God Bless him!

[@mikestone8939]

I had recently watched a video on the North Korean judicial system, after which I commented that the moral of the story would be to never travel to a country in which one's human rights were not guaranteed. Accordingly, I will never travel to Mississippi.

[@therofthew]

That doesn’t only happen in Mississippi dude, it happens all over the US. Every inmate represents money $$. Every time they take you to court they make money, so releasing inmates in a timely manner is against their interests...

[@davidmwayi8611]

Wise words.

[@mickeythemaltipoo3756]

"The criminal system is a system of criminals " does he mean ran by criminals

[@mickeythemaltipoo3756]

Rise up 99%

[@winniebangsi326]

Mickey The maltipoo that part had me so heated!!! And his play on words about their rights being violated had me ready to slap him 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@karendalsadik7119]

I call it the injustice system.

[@wkdwiz]

The criminal circus system = White collar crime

[@Deedraa]

What a big business this is

[@cruzan8183]

The legal system preys on the poor. The purpose of the legal system is to destroy the lives of the accused. I have been stopped by the cops a few times. In one instance I was stopped because I ,”matched,” the description of a robbery suspect. I was held on the street until the store clerk came by. The situation was totally absurd. I was a college graduate with a full time job. I struck up a conversation with the cop and told him about my self. By the clerk , who looked like she was 100 years old arrived , the cop was convinced that I wasn’t the robber. He essentially told the clerk that I wasn’t the guy. I will never forget that episode. I have since completed graduate school, gotten married, had children and enjoyed an ok life. Things could have turned out a lot differently.

[@lelandlee5008]

JUST LIKE "INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY" IT SEEMS "GUILTY UNTIL PROVEN INNOCENT"

[@tristanmason7405]

Spending 5 yrs in pre-trial lockup is in itself a crime, unacceptable!

[@momentumstocks3493]

12,000,000 WOW!!! Scary.

[@DudelPaul]

sick system in a sick Land

[@gailhandschuh1138]

Dudeel Paul. If you don’t break the law any country is relatively safe , if you break the laws of the land you can expect to have fo deal with the courts.

[@Imrightyourewrong1]

@@gailhandschuh1138 it's not that simple and you should know that. There are a lot of innocent people in prison.

[@rev.fr.jonathandavidwaters6937]

I bet when each and every one of the cases of those detained is truly critiqued, it would be amazing as to the number of truly innocent people there are who are locked up in this country, lost in the system.

[@johnnydon6738]

Jailing people is a business in America

[@dan1497]

All they have to do is Request on paper a Writ of Habeas Corpus. That's it. The request need not be in any particular form, but should include: -The person being held, and the place holding him. -The cause or pretense of such imprisonment or restraint. I, Sharon Jones of 22 L st, atlanta, GA request a Writ of Habeas Corpus for Richard Jones of 22 L st, atlanta, GA, being held at Atlanta courthouse at 123 atlanta ave, for the pretense of car theft. The court which the complaint is made should, without delay, award and issue the Writ of Habeas Corpus and the Sheriff must execute the same. ANYONE can do this for ANYONE. Hand it to the sheriff and he MUST by duty find an available judge to see the case NOW no matter how long it takes him to find a judge, one will be available! It is THEIR DUTY AS A JUDGE. A Writ of Habeas Corpus IS a PROTECTED AMERICAN RIGHT. It means, GIVE ME THE BODY. They must get the case AS IS viewed by a judge to see if they have something on you NOW and find out what the charge is and either make it happen or GIVE UP THE BODY. OTHERWISE IT'S ILLEGAL KIDNAPPING! PLAIN AND SIMPLE. Look up the book The Political, Personal, and Property Rights of a Citizen of the United States by Theophilus Parsons. The reason the Writ of Habeas Corpus was included in the Constitution by our Wonderful Founding Fathers is because England and France were taking people for this reason or that and straight imprisoning them never to be seen or heard from ever again and the people finally had enough of their family disappearing. What we see today (500,000 people arrested waiting trials) is what happens when you don't teach people their RIGHTS!!!!!!!!!!!

[@alexanderk.5474]

To much money to be made on imprisonment, never going to end.

[@k.anderson5039]

It costs $150,000.00 a year to house one inmate in Rikers- you could send a lot of kids to collage with that money! NYC counts on people getting tired of waiting in Rikers for years to plead just to get out even if not guilty. There is a kid who ended up committing suicide as they held him for years in Rikers after being arrested at 18- he was held in isolation for most of the time and by the time he got out he was crazy from the event and killed himself.

[@Nick-yv1wy]

@@Bassettman2012 That's so unfortunate man. We will end this if we speak out and put in the work.

[@Nick-yv1wy]

@Doctor Dave there are people who make millions off of prison.

[@Nick-yv1wy]

@Doctor Dave they are producing something. They paying for a hotel stay for months or years and the taxpayer hands over money to the government, which hands it over to companies that run prisons. It's not a hard concept to understand. Do some research. Plenty of money is being made. Core Civic and Geo Group are publicly traded companies

[@Nick-yv1wy]

@Doctor Dave if you try to pretend that it doesn't happen and it's okay, you'll always believe that. Prisoners aren't meant to be assets. Rehabilitation is the point. Private praying are usually worse all around and have less transparency. You'll understand once they start privatizing more stuff. I'm sure you see how healthcare and school loans are pretty much unaffordable for working class families

[@johnappleby2182]

Im 50 yrs old....they arrested me 2 days b4 my 21st birthday.....and have been living in the PA Penal system for 30yrs..... I stay home and ONLY smoke pot and run a full time construction business....They just Raided my home, yet again, and now im facing 15-30yrs....may as well b my life, at this age...all because i smoke pot....smh !

[@joelbourgeois7517]

This makes my blood boil because I myself have experienced the court system.

[@Deedraa]

Disgraceful

[@gailhandschuh1138]

Any lawyer carrying over 300 open cases is going to be hard pressed to give 100%to each case. And since any forensic or additional tests for the defendant in a pro-bono case must have approval of the costs for payment , it becomes a matter of the families helping with some of the costs or the testing can’t be done. Most people are unaware of the costs involved with these special tests and think that they can request them for free because they aren’t having to pay the lawyers.

[@CynthiaDean-ef2fz]

Why so many get lost in the system is the fact we have politician who concerns themselves with promoting their own career and wrap up in wanting to s billionaire that these individuals don't want to take the time to be concerned about correcting these broken systems in our land.

[@AnonymousPacifist]

People in hardship which the government should be shamed for, over getting a crum shouldn't be locked up; violent animals behaviour should be locked up and domesticated.🐂

[@julie.1081]

Want an easy way to drastically reduce your chances of going to jail or prison? Don't break the law! Parents need to talk to their kids about obeying the law. Almost every jail & many prisons will give them a free tour of your kids think jail is nothing. Not just Scared Straight programs. Even individual tours if parents aren't getting through to kids. Don't wait until it's to late.

[@vro981]

“Sure their rights are violated, but not all rights are violated”.

[@ianlindsay6652]

Absolutely disgusting! That judge is a real piece of filth!

[@shannonalbert8915]

The Justice System needs a overhaul..!!!!

[@maryslilham]

I'll NEVER understand the INJUSTICES WHICH ARE INFLICTED ON PEOPLE OF COLOR....being a WHITE MAN..... but I've WITNESSED enough of it in MY LIFE. I remember.

[@Tuberuser187]

Being detained before charges are even filed is totally disgusting, without charges there should be no crime and no need for bail at all.

[@forgoatusbm5674]

"Keeping young men out of trouble" has left the chat.

[@yoimredeemed1022]

@12:49 Judge Gordon Grand Dragon The old man from Poltergeist Beezelbub Satan The Devil

[@tomasbickel58]

Marcus D. Gordon @ 15:40 ".. when they proof they're innocent .." .. by not having a trail, he reverses "until proven guilty"

[@silver152]

to much of this $$$$$ to be had .what is not broken in America these days ???

[@AnytimeAssemblypros]

The victim will never take another breath. The family cant do a go fund me to bring him back life.

[@kofia6380]

Horrible! But one hears a cacophony of complaints about these very same things that are happening around the world. Is it hypocrisy or truly not seeing the speck in their own eyes?

[@janetsmith-velazquez3722]

This judge needs to be removed.

[@edwardlomaseng9120]

Criminals systems is making a lot money from criminals. They punished inmates instead of rehab.

[@maryslilham]

MARCUS D> GORDON just said OUT OF HIS MOUTH.....that he KNOWS SOMETHING ISN"T RIGHT......and IN THE SAME BREATH.........says HE WOULD'NT KNOW THAT INFORMATION.

[@valeenoi2284]

Now tell me why that chief judge from Mississippi shouldn't be in prison himself?

[@MrClajen]

You Can never beat a system where there are money to make on private jails and bonds long live America and the Mighty dollars

[@martinesejour3361]

Bad childhood, horrible community, product of their environment.

[@konfyd110]

That's how we deal with the poor in America. More tax money to fill our pockets.

[@joejoe2928]

AMERICAN JUSTICE IS UNJUST.

[@omennemo8844]

The prison system is a business and the police are their henchmen. Why haven't they done anything about this blatant false arrest. They were hoping that we would get use to seeing people getting arrested, will just stop complaining and forget about it.

[@biker1373]

I'AM so glad I leave in Canada !

[@momentumstocks3493]

Live or leave Canada?

[@biker1373]

@@momentumstocks3493 live ,

[@MHiggins]

biker Yeah you are lucky.

[@worldtipper]

Let me move there too. I want out of the US.

[@user-in7jw9ik4c]

Big Law Firms should be Mandated to Take Pro-Bono..Free cases..each lawyer..a set # per year..Mandatory...!!

[@jerrywbrice]

I am sure glad Donovan won his case. The odds were against him. However, jeez man.. You have got to be super careful about who you associate with. Handling the gun and firing off a shot is the worst thing you could do in that situation. He was a child though so I suppose I understand. *sigh* I was fortunate to get off with a slap on the wrist in my own case. 5 years felony probation which I never violated and was released early. I actually managed to get the charges dismissed through the deal I made. Diversion they call it. Same issue as Donovan though, association with rotten individuals who will pull you under thoughtlessly.

[@maryslilham]

BUT WHY....does that ....HAVE TO BE...... THE REALITY ?

[@sabinowilliam2735]

Never plead guilty to something one didn't do.

[@DallasTaylor]

Y'all missed Spalding County, GA

[@HEALINGHEARTS_HERTZ_MUSIC]

No no...every county in Georgia

[@MrClajen]

Money in us are more important than people

[@awardere]

America has the worst justice system in the world

[@binocyoulars142]

Father forgive us. How can we just.forget about these ppl?!! That judge is evil

[@gailhandschuh1138]

The US court system can get overwhelmed in America at times because the young people are acting very entitled and even caught red handed will not admit that they broke the law. And they all claim to have no money for an attorney even with an could takes months to be available to help you. Many Pro -Bono attorneys also have a private practice of paying clients and they hold priority to the lawyers. attorney unless the court releases you you could wait a long period of time until a free attorney

[@robertmasina4610]

How does one become criminal? One of those nature vs. nurture questions?

[@janetsmith-velazquez3722]

Every number is a dollar sign.

[@atlormerjo8830]

American justice is very entertaining

[@eazypaid8311]

THIS IS WHY PEOPLE PROTEST THIS IS WHY PEOPLE SAY DEFUND THE POLICE

[@maryslilham]

MARCUS D. GORDON .....goes on to say....SURE>>>>SOME OF THEIR RIGHT"S ARE BEING VIOLATED....WHERE ARE THE POLICE ?

[@paulproductions9213]

Imperial Americana

[@gangstar8652]

I'm triggered by the distinct lack of advertising in this video.

[@user-fl2wn5zr5z]

that judge is a very big joke

[@breaks0]

Rerun, originally aired Oct 2015.

[@MHiggins]

breaks0 And the problem hasn’t changed since then. It’s getting worse and worse.

[@jonnieinbangkok]

Better in prison than on the streets!

[@sethwardell5269]

That depends on where your talking about and honestly I've been in prison and I'd much rather be homeless

[@AnytimeAssemblypros]

The cost of seeing Made in the USA on products.

[@abepresume8132]

2017, look up the law on your smartphone with dictionary and law dictionary.... Playing ignorant is outmoded!!!

[@taishkal3519]

I'm pretty sure no one in jail is allowed a cellphone. For both Canada and the US.

[@MichaelDominguez25]

Yea with what phone

[@Donato93]

What about the victims of crime? Why is there not a documentary about them

[@alexisstarks5530]

? they’re all over youtube

[@teamhuman2]

Wow ,, it goes do you trust the judge it did that on film like that ,,, so creepy yikes

[@TheSilmarillian]

circo ? Probably spelt that wrong hello from Australia

[@mrliamalan]

Never held a gun before he was tossed one and then shot once in the air...anyone seriously believe this guy?

[@TTillahFK]

John Oliver also did a episode about this. highly recommend it..

[@junkybabes]

Only in America

[@shigshug8581]

rent free

[@voyok.5914]

I think all prisoners have to be juge again after everything happened with the police departments, I am sure a lot of innocent peoples have been jailled for stupid reasons. I don't understand why celebrities doing drug have never been arrested even the say that on tv !? May God help those who got arrested .The time has come. Is that a good idea to put someone using drug to prison, or to take them to rehabilitation. What can usa do to help his people? What is the reason for the population to use drug? Can usa make this question their priority? May God help usa !

[@christianjakobsen5249]

The Grey Devil....

[@maryslilham]

THINK ABOUT THIS............say THE DRUG WAR ENDED.....TODAY..............WHAT WOULD BE........THE MONETARY LOSS ? NEED I SAY MORE ?

[@maryslilham]

YEP....SPEEDY TRIAL....is a thing of the PAST

[@bilshaw8116]

john oliver has done a nice expose on this, you should look it up.

[@peterspeight2880]

But then he supports and supported Hillary Clinton, who along with her husband expanded the prison population in the 90s, leading to situations like this documentary describes.

[@fionamcgauley7027]

Someones making a lot of money

[@aydo.silviozdemir8449]

becouse nothing to do whit justice. its the privat bar association in many countrys in the world.its about your straw man bank account. the judge is the trusty and on court they put the trust on the accused. its all about money andyou dont know the rules

[@user-in7jw9ik4c]

Go to state supreme court ..or States Attorney General . Federal..supreme court..Fed Attorney General .SURE Hope Your channel submitted requests for Supreme court's to get involved..🇺🇸

[@samshepherd1100]

Don’t do crime. I think that’s pretty simple right?

[@momentumstocks3493]

OJ Simpson trial sums up the US legal system...$$'s buys freedom

[@moosemoose8152]

THEY THREW YOU A GUN AND YOU FIRED A SHOT? EVEN IF YOU DIDN'T HAVE A GUN YOU WAS THERE? IS THAT NOT WHAT GOD BE SAYING FOR THOSE THAT LIVE ON THE EARTH WHO REJECT HIS FORGIVENESS? YOU WAS THERE (IN THE WORLD) AND YOU STILL DIDN'T ASK GOD TO HELP YOU TO BELIEVED IF YOU HAD THEN THE JUDGE WOULD HAVE BEEN JESUS? MY POINT IS YOU HAVE TO STAY FOUCSED, IF YOU NOT THEN THE DEVIL IS THE CRIME.

[@sweetd097]

gettin money for your livelihood

[@danielshephard4048]

Regrettably, the struggles of the 60-70s proves former advocates were not radical enough. Instead of a compromise there should be calls for increased agitation and organized civil disobedience. Every State capitol should be marched upon with demands for radical change. All police departments must come under State and Federal oversight. A national standard of policing must be established. Rogue departments like Brunswick, Georgia, Ferguson Missouri and others should be decertified and defunded and the officers fired, investigated and prosecuted. As if to make my point even when confronted with proof cop leaders deny, evade and make excuses. Most importantly, America must strip police chiefs of the power of kings in ruling their departments. Each department is like an empire subject to the whims of their chief who wields the power of life and death over the population. To his subordinates the chief offers power, wealth and recognition that become a cop’s ultimate’s prize. While seeking approval cops compete for attention in any way possible. The social status enjoyed by cops is absurd as viewed by those attending police functions. You’d be amazed at the trophy wives of the police brass. You’ll not often see such bling, sexy low cut dresses and high heels as those they sport.

[@ILLGOOD]

"Trading Places" the movie taught me a lot. The system is rigged symbolized by, those two white fools in the movie. And the targeted is us symbolized by Eddie Murphy playing us the targeted. If the system took away any and everything that causes inconvenience and struggle, people would mellow out. Crime is caused like in the movie, from denial to the basics of human decency. Food shouldn't be a problem when earth is everywhere, put a seed in it and grow something. Regulations keeps up frustration and agitates the poor, holding them down and in survival mode that takes them into crime. Just as it's told in the movie status and classic maintained by the bottom, someone has to be the bottom. But remove the bottom and it infuriates the heads of wealth. Why? It fades their level of status.

[@christianbrother4724]

It is easy, don't break the law. Stay away from drugs and alcohol.

[@syedzubair9998]

no mercy for criminals. if criminals free is a threat to our society..

[@sethwardell5269]

No mercy on your dumbass comments.....

[@tracysullivan3715]

What about innocent until proven guilty Smh!!!

[@tracysullivan3715]

@@sethwardell5269 AMEN

[@priscillaflach2960]

Liar Liar

[@visitswflorida]

So tax payers should pay for attorney for people who have charges dropped? Wow ok. Law abiding people do not get arrested. If it happens to you look at the people you're hanging out with and where you hang out. PS journalism is supposed to put the facts out there without bias and let the viewer decide. Stop thinking people need to be lead to answers and simply tell the unbiased truth.

[@robinhoods1555]

TRUMP EFFECT

[@GabrielMartinez-ul4hs]

Shouldn't have broken the LAW Maybe you wouldn't be inn this mess

[@DudelPaul]

lol