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“A House of Repentance” (Beginnings - 1880)

Season 1 Episode 1

Europeans bring their harsh laws to America, but some colonists, inspired by the Enlightenment, argue that brutal public punishments make “bad men worse” and look to a new way to mete out justice – the penitentiary.

Aired: 11/15/26
Major funding for CRIME AND PUNISHMENT IN AMERICA was provided by The Atlantic Philanthropies, Emerson Collective, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and the Park Foundation. Major funding was also provided by the following members of The Better Angels Society: The Fullerton Family Charitable Fund; The Just Trust for Education; Allan and Shelley Holt; The Tow Foundation; and the Sozosei Foundation. Additional support was provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities, The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, the William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust, Ford Foundation | JustFilms, and by The Better Angels Society members: John and Catherine Debs; Timothy Fazio; Lise Strickler and Mark Gallogly; the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund (Laurie M. Tisch Foundation Inc); Gilchrist and Amy Berg; the Carson Family Charitable Trust; Mauree Jane and Mark W. Perry; the Segal Family Foundation; and Mark A. Tracy.
Extras
For 250 years, Americans wrestle with crime, punishment and the meaning of justice. Premieres 11/16.
For 250 years, Americans wrestle with crime, punishment and the meaning of justice. Premieres 11/16.
The Founding Father Benjamin Rush offers a new form of punishment: the world's first penitentiary.
The House of Refuge is the nation's first institution for the reformation of juvenile delinquents.
During the Reconstruction Era, an outlaw captures the public's attention: Jesse James.
When a crime is committed, should we look to punish or to move forward toward healing?
There has always been a fascination with those that commit crimes and how they're punished for them.
President Abraham Lincoln sentences 38 Native Americans to death for attacks against settlers.
Austin Reed recounts his experiences over two decades of being incarcerated in Auburn Prison.
The new head guard at Auburn Prison establishes a new strict regimen of efficiency and order.