David R. Dow: Lessons from death row inmates

http://www.ted.com What happens before a murder? In looking for ways to reduce death penalty cases, David R. Dow realized that a surprising number of death row inmates had similar biographies. In this talk he proposes a bold plan, one that prevents murders in the first place. (Filmed at TEDxAustin.)

TEDTalks is a daily video podcast of the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes. Featured speakers have included Al Gore on climate change, Philippe Starck on design, Jill Bolte Taylor on observing her own stroke, Nicholas Negroponte on One Laptop per Child, Jane Goodall on chimpanzees, Bill Gates on malaria and mosquitoes, Pattie Maes on the "Sixth Sense" wearable tech, and "Lost" producer JJ Abrams on the allure of mystery. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design, and TEDTalks cover these topics as well as science, business, development and the arts. Closed captions and translated subtitles in a variety of languages are now available on TED.com, at http://www.ted.com/translate

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  People & Blogs

[Steven M]

I'd rather have my tax money go to this (saving the lives of children headed for death row) than for unnecessary wars and crooked cops.

[Lori Jean]

I am very tired of the tea party making people my age look self serving and narrow minded, not to mention sanctimonious. My parents and grandparents payed more than we do in taxes and were proud to invest in America's future.I have never begrudged paying my taxes, it is the responsibility that goes with my rights. I will retire on somewhat less than I expected yet do not feel the urge to whine about life or begrudge others. The children and their future are a sacred trust.

[Tomer1776]

Who in the tea party movement said anything racist? The only race incident involving the tea party was an accusation about tea partiers spitting and cursing at someone, and four cameras that proved it to be a lie. Oh, and, of course, the tea party is famous for having no rapes (unlike Occupy that had several rapes and coverups) no shootings at the white house (Occupy) and no violence aside from one incident (in which tea partiers restrained a left winger who physically assaulted Rand Paul)

[remboy3000]

Then aren't we all snakes? I'm not debating alright but I had to put this comment down anyway. If there wasn't someone to tell you what was right or wrong, then where would you be? You don't know what wrong is so you could be right but you don't know what right is either. You would be animals. It's become some kind of tradition that you have to do what's right and not what's wrong. But I don't really disagree to that tradition either. I don't bother

[dings215]

the business of prisons doesn't agree with Dow. his plans would hurt profits :(

[Marley bob]

Sure, the Tea Party is full of racist, selfish losers. But the Ideology behind it is sound. Its not about not paying taxes, its about not paying taxes that go to empire building and political power plays. ;)

[Daniel Brown]

This is great. What a hero. I disagree with only one part... Once the person has had a horrible childhood I think it's too engrained for them to change from simple coaching.. They've already formed the survival strategy of a killer.. A snake is a snake expect it to bite

[genghis karan]

i got beat with wooden bats and tied up in rope and had my wrist broken by my dad. i couldn't imagine how bad that dude had it.

[genghis karan]

Both my parents are mentally ill. i saw cops almost every other week or two when i turned 15. im 20 now my last case in court was two months ago. i think there is a relationship between mental illness and deviant behavior. i dont know why this happens because my parents are very well off and have good economic standing.

[Kyle Lovas]

Lets do that

[Kyle Lovas]

YESSSSSSSSS MY NIGGA