Sentencing programs from Justice Talking

The radio program Justice Talking, which is produced by the Annenberg Public Policy Center and distributed nationally by NPR, has recently done two big programs on interesting and important sentencing topics.  One program asked is "Probation and Parole: In Need of a Big Fix?" and another explored "When Kids Commit Crimes, What's a Fair Sentence?"

The program on probation and parole can be accessed at this link, and here is the introduction:

Over four million convicted criminals are on probation or parole in the United States.  The number is likely to grow due to strict sentencing laws, over-crowded prisons and the desire of cash-strapped states to reduce the number of incarcerated inmates. Unfortunately, the antiquated system with severely understaffed and poorly trained probation officers can't keep up with the workload.  Join us on this edition of Justice Talking as we look at state systems of probation and parole and ask: What's the best way to reduce recidivism, rehabilitate convicts and safeguard the public?

The program on juvenile sentencing can be accessed at this link, and here is its introduction:

There are thousands of juveniles, some as young as 12, serving life sentences with no hope of parole.  Others are serving longer sentences in adult facilities or are warehoused in juvenile detention centers with few educational or health care services.  Join us on this edition of Justice Talking as we take a look at how teenaged criminals are sentenced.  Are kids who commit crimes being rehabilitated or are they returning to the streets in worse shape than ever?