Toe Tag Parole: To Live And Die On Yard A is an HBO documentary, which explores the criminal justice system. It mainly focuses on the sentence of life without parole, which has undeniably become an alternative death penalty. Throughout the film, we’re introduced to a number of inmates, who are serving life without parole for various reasons. Despite their circumstances, the men are mainly articulate.

 

This particular yard at the CDCR prison undoubtedly caters to the more mild manner inmates and not the off-their-rocker inmates, which we see so frequently. Although not all inmates behave in a such a mild mannered way, these do and it helps to create the perception that something is terribly wrong with the penal system. Ken Hartman and even Wilber Morales, who received 3 life sentences, seems to be remorseful and fully aware that his current status is the result of his consequences.

 

Some of the inmates are military veterans. It is highly likely their tours of duty influences their crimes. How couldn’t it? Either way, the documentary does a good job of bringing up the question, whether life without parole is human and ethical. There is no doubt that some individuals need to locked away from society forever, but then again, the entire purpose of the criminal justice system is supposed to be rehabilitation. Denying inmates hope will undoubtedly shatter their chances for that rehabilitation.

 

Of course, the penal system is all about the profits. Keeping inmates as long as possible is their ultimate goal, so the money continues rolling in. Their profits are set in stone, when the inmates will ultimately reoffend and return back into the cycle. So, in a way, the life without parole sentence is crippling and debilitating. The real kicker is the fact that the inmates featured in the documentary are more intelligent and articulate than those walking the streets.

 

Even the slightest possibility of parole gives these individuals a little more reason to change. Why shouldn’t society at least give them that opportunity, especially when America is so gung-ho about their soldiers and military personality. Overall the documentary is well worth checking out. Although it isn’t entirely new or original, it is still great. An 8 out of 10 is deserved.