Menendez brothers lead prison reform with Norway-inspired project

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Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon announced Thursday that he is recommending that the Menendez brothers be resentenced for the 1989 murders of their parents. LiveNOW’s Andrew Craft breaks it all down with legal affairs reporter Meghann Cuniff, who was in the room during the announcement.

LOS ANGELES – Nearly 30 years after their convictions, Erik and Lyle Menendez are working to transform San Diego prisons, inspired by Norway’s progressive approach to incarceration.

By emphasizing the natural environment and community integration, the Green Space project aligns with Norway’s humane prison model, which is known for promoting successful rehabilitation.

Why Norway’s prison model is inspiring change in California

Norway’s system focuses on treating prisoners humanely and offers programs that reflect society to help prisoners transition back to life on the outside.

The country’s recidivism rate is among the lowest in the world, with only 16% of ex-cons reoffending within two years, compared to 66% within three years in the US. Norwegian prisons offer open spaces, voting rights and healthcare services similar to those available in society, aiming to prepare inmates for life outside prison.

What is the Menendez brothers’ Green Field project?

The Green Space project at the Richard J. Donovan Prison, launched by Lyle Menendez in 2018, aims to replace stark prison yards with park-like environments.

Erik Menendez leads the mural, painting scenes of San Diego landmarks. The project’s design will include outdoor classrooms and group meeting spaces, making the garden a rehabilitative environment.

Could California embrace more humane prison reforms?

The California Department of Corrections is testing similar initiatives under the “California Model,” designed to reduce recidivism by providing a rehabilitative atmosphere.

Pennsylvania has also piloted Northern European-inspired prison reforms, recognizing the potential benefits of humane incarceration in reducing inmate violence and improving staff health.

Source

This article is based on Associated Press reporting covering the Menendez brothers’ work to implement Norway’s prison reform principles in California. Additional insight into Norway’s incarceration model comes from AP interviews with prison reform experts.