Read an excerpt from A Second Chance: A Federal Judge Decides Who Deserves It by Judge Frederic Block. In a rare glimpse behind the bench, Judge Block recounts the cases of six incarcerated people who have done heinous things but have nevertheless petitioned him for their release. He then explains the criteria the First Step Act has spelled out for his consideration. And, in a novel twist, he asks the reader, “What would you do?”

 

In a book that could be the basis for a new season of Law & Order, Judge Block challenges our ideas about punishment and justice.