When Does My Sentence End?

In the American justice system, the consequences can last long after the formal sentence has been completed. Felons aren’t allowed to vote in most states, are ineligible for many jobs, and many companies will screen a criminal background and make hiring decisions on that basis. What this means for ex-cons is that living in regular society is quite difficult to nearly impossible. They are permanently shoved out of civilization. In this video from John Stewart and his new show on Apple+, a singular cry elicits from justice activists: when does my sentence end? Because in the current system, once you’re arrested and convicted of a crime, it follows you for the rest of your life, no matter what else you might do or accomplish. That isn’t quite fair, is it? The idea is that once your debt to society is paid, you should be able to return to your ordinary life and continue on. The reality is that a criminal background hobbles folks for life, especially men and especially men of color. This video exposes this unfair system and what we can do to reform our justice system.