The videos helping people get lighter sentences
0In the United States, individuals facing criminal charges are increasingly turning to short documentary-style mitigation videos to present their life stories and seek empathy from judges, juries, and prosecutors. These videos aim to depict accused persons as whole individuals deserving of redemption and leniency. While the exact prevalence of mitigation videos is not documented, they have become a valuable tool for public defenders to potentially reduce jail sentences in a country with high incarceration rates. Advocates argue that these videos destigmatize incarcerated individuals by providing context and a more complete image of their lives, effectively challenging stereotypes. Critics, however, argue that such videos shift the focus away from victims. Nevertheless, these mitigation videos are gaining recognition as a means to humanize defendants and potentially influence legal outcomes.