Frontline Season 19 Episode 5 Real Justice, Part 1

In the 5th episode of Season 19 of the acclaimed investigative journalism series "Frontline," viewers are taken on a journey through the American criminal justice system and the disparities that exist within it. Titled "Real Justice, Part 1," the episode begins by introducing the case of African American teenager Michael Morton, who was wrongfully convicted of his wife's murder and spent nearly 25 years behind bars for a crime he didn't commit. Through interviews with Morton, his family, and those who worked tirelessly to overturn his wrongful conviction, viewers are shown just how flawed the criminal justice system can be.

The episode then turns its focus to the city of Baltimore, where tensions between the community and law enforcement have reached a boiling point following the death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray while in police custody. Through interviews with members of the Baltimore Police Department, as well as activists and community leaders, viewers are given a glimpse into the complexities of the relationship between the police and the communities they serve.

As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that the injustices within the criminal justice system aren't limited to wrongful convictions or instances of police brutality. Viewers are taken inside the courtroom of Judge Jed Rakoff, who has become an outspoken critic of mandatory minimum sentences and the role they play in the criminal justice system. Through conversations with Judge Rakoff and the defendants who have stood before him in court, viewers are able to see just how a one-size-fits-all approach to sentencing can lead to more harm than good.

The episode ends by posing the question of whether true justice can be achieved within a system that is so deeply flawed. Through conversations with experts in criminal justice reform, viewers are left with a sense of hope that change is possible, but that it will take a concerted effort on the part of lawmakers, law enforcement, and everyday citizens to bring about a more just America.

Overall, "Frontline" Season 19 Episode 5 "Real Justice, Part 1" offers a powerful look at the ways in which the criminal justice system can fail individuals and communities. Though it is a sobering exploration of some of the most pressing issues facing the American justice system, it is also an important reminder that change is both necessary and possible.