I was a death row lawyer. Here’s why I now joke about capital punishment
In my standup, I’m not trivializing the death penalty. I’m getting people to stay engaged when the subject is uncomfortable
TL;DR
- The author worked as a lawyer for men on death row for seven years, initially finding the work through a pro bono opportunity.
- He discovered misleading evidence in one case, which he found 'unconscionable' and compelling.
- Clients' humor and humanity made it difficult to maintain an abstract distance, revealing them as complex individuals beyond their crimes.
- The author transitioned to stand-up comedy, inspired by the power of storytelling and seeking a way to engage audiences with difficult subjects like the death penalty.
- He found that comedy could unsettle assumptions and make indifference harder to sustain, even when discussing grim topics.
- Ultimately, he left law to study clowning in France, embracing uncertainty and seeking new ways to connect with audiences.