The Broken Promise of Compassionate Release

Compassionate release is a common-sense concept:  prisoners who pose no threat to the public and have compelling reasons to be released from prison and put on home confinement -- including prisoners who are sick or terminally ill -- should be.  But it rarely happens.  The federal prison system releases such a tiny number of sick, dying, extremely ill inmates each year that it's not exaggerating to call "compassionate release" a broken promise.  This YouTube video shares more:

It's heartbreaking stuff.  After decades of using so many harsh mandatory minimum prison sentences, we're watching a lot of prisoners get older -- and sicker.  Their age, infirmity, medical costs, and lack of danger are excellent reasons to let them go home to be treated or pass away, but simple humanity and compassion are better reasons to do it.