Discredited Hair Analysis Is Fueling Efforts to Overturn Convictions

In the premiere of its second season, Inside Story spotlights the efforts incarcerated people are making to have their convictions reviewed based on the now-discredited science of hair analysis.

Actor and rapper Common sits down with host Lawrence Bartley to discuss why he believes music is healing and why he created music studios for people on the inside.

In an animated explainer, we explore the long history of music as an outlet for incarcerated people to create a future for themselves when they get out.

Then, folks on the inside share the dreams they have while serving their sentences, including returning home to have movie night with their children.

Inspired by the story on hair analysis, Bartley unpacks the word “suspect” and how it can mean those accused of crimes, but also the science behind the accusations.

Reading list:

• Old-School Hair Analysis Is Junk Science. But It Still Keeps People Behind Bars
• Redemption Songs: The Forgotten History of American Prison Music
• Learning Violin Helped Me Survive Prison