LENS OF A LAWYER with DAVID BELL: PROF. SHELDON EVANS – WHY DO WE PUNISH?

Jaws of Justice Radio investigates how we can achieve justice from a system of laws deeply rooted in economic, social and political inequality.  We want to dispel misconceptions created by the news and entertainment industry, politicians and our educational system. We hope you will listen. Jaws of Justice will play the July 31, 2026 Lens of a Lawyer podcast produced by David Bell, “What is the true purpose of prison?” Sentencing sits at the absolute center of criminal justice, sparking fierce debate from every angle - whether it’s public outrage over lenient terms or the devastating, unintended consequences of mandatory minimums. In this episode, David sits down with Professor Sheldon Evans of Washington University in St. Louis, a leading expert on punishment theory, to break down the historical, social, and philosophical forces that dictate how we punish crime. Lens of a Lawyer is a legal podcast hosted by criminal defense attorney David Bell. The show explores how the justice system reflects societal values, struggles, and culture by featuring interviews with legal experts, activists, and community leaders. David asks his guests to look beyond basic laws and procedures to see the legal system as a mirror of society. David Bell believes the justice system is more than a set of laws and procedures - it’s a mirror reflecting the values, struggles, and complexities of our society. In Lens of Lawyer, David will sit down with guests from all walks of life - legal experts, survivors, activists, and thought leaders - to explore how real-world issues play out in and beyond the courtroom. With empathy, insight, and honesty, each episode peels back the layers of the legal system to reveal what it says about who we are - and who we want to become. On Jaws of Justice, we examine how to find justice in our society.  Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.