As an Assemblyman in California’s legislature, Pat Nolan thought he knew the best ways to protect his community. Until he went to prison himself and saw the truth of what goes on behind bars.  Nolan shared the insights he gained during his time in custody and in the years since his release to a group of students at the University of Southern California Gould School of Law last week.

Professor Jody Armour moderated a lively discussion between Nolan and Prosecutor Steve Cooley as they talked about criminal justice reform issues -  from the problems in criminal justice law, to the racial disparity in prisons to the need to focus on rehabilitating offenders.

Watch video of the debate by following this link:

Crime Punishment and Rehabilitation: The Politics and Policy of California Prisons – 10/23/09