Question 1. Blocking the Exit
Read the pdf file Maryland's policies around parole-eligible life sentences. Next watch the documentary Blocking the Exit. (https://www.justicepolicy.org/research/2152). The focus of the documentary is on the state of Maryland, which is one of three states requiring approval by the governor for release of parole-eligible inmates serving life sentences. What are the ramifications of this process? Does "life" actually mean life in prison or should there be exceptions? Do you agree with this approach? Why or why not?
Question 2. Federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit program
Read the attached PDF which is a pamphlet on the Federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit program. This program (in part) provides an incentive of up to $2,400 of taxpayer money for an employer who hires a felon. The pamphlet can be found here: https://www.doleta.gov/business/incentives/opptax/PDF/WOTC_Program_ARRA_Brochure.pdf
What do you think of this program? Do you think taxpayer money should be used in this manner? Why or why not? Given the natural hesitation by most employers to hire a felon, should our government use taxpayer money to help felons find employment? If you owed a business, would this program encourage you to hire a felon? What do you see as the pros to this program? What about cons to the idea; what would they be? Do you see it as a form of bias for an employer to not hire an individual because of their felon status?