My friend starts her job today, after learning to program in prison

Post by larrywright » Thu, Oct 01, 2020, 10:38 PM UTC

murderfs wrote: post #449

larrywright wrote: post #401

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Your attitude towards someone convicted of a criminal act isn’t uncommon, but it’s short-sighted. If the judicial system determines that the appropriate punishment for a crime is X years, then at the end of that time they should be given a chance at a fresh start. There are limits, of course, perhaps you don’t want to give them a security clearance, or a job that requires carrying a gun. Someone convicted of molestin…

> If the judicial system determines that the appropriate punishment for a crime is X years, then at the end of that time they should be given a chance at a fresh start. This is a poor argument: the judicial system has also determined, by lack of prohibition, that it's appropriate for employers to discriminate based on criminal record.

Post by loeg » Thu, Oct 01, 2020, 10:43 PM UTC

yreg wrote: post #479

BlueGh0st wrote: post #472

Earlier quoted context omitted.

How? I read so many felon success stories but I'm a non-violent felon and I can't even get an entry-level interview in IT. I'm multiskilled with a huge focus on security but despite the demand, I've had so much trouble. In fact, in one very sad case, I showed up to my first day of work as a sys admin and was walked out after 2 hours because the HR department neglected to go over my application and see the felony chec…

In what situations do US employers/clients ask about criminal history? Can't you freelance or start as a contractor?

Post by dhosek » Thu, Oct 01, 2020, 10:50 PM UTC

poorman wrote: post #496

I've heard of similar situations and I'm glad people with the power to help lift others up are taking the initiative. George Taylor (previously President of Untappd) has been working with active gang members to start a brewery called TruColors. Turns out a lot of gang violence can be attributed to the economic situation of a community and providing employment opportunities to people who have been previously incarcera…

Post by hnracer » Thu, Oct 01, 2020, 10:51 PM UTC

qes wrote: post #493

hnracer wrote: post #158

Earlier quoted context omitted.

What percentage of those drug offenses are usage vs distribution?

If I had, let's say, less than $1000 worth of drugs - enough for a few weeks of personal consumption, but on occasion I sell a bit to one of my buddies. Does that make me a "distributor"? It did according to the law. You're unlikely to find any realistic statistics on usage vs "distribution" due to that.

Post by dhosek » Thu, Oct 01, 2020, 10:56 PM UTC

hnracer wrote: post #499

dfxm12 wrote: post #148

Earlier quoted context omitted.

leaving former criminals with little chance at success It's worth noting that it also leaves their children a smaller chance at success as well[0], and then the cycle continues. When you add this to the fact that Black male offenders received sentences on average 19.1 percent longer than similarly situated White male offenders [1], this adds up to one aspect of systemic racism in America. 0 - https://projects.sfchron…

Is there any evidence that the sentences are longer after controlling for variables such as (1) differences in previous convictions which increase sentence duration, (2) severity of the crime? If this evidence is provided, I am happy to agree with you that there is systematic racism in the justice system.