Josh Dubin & Robert Jones

Date: 2021-10-05 | Duration: 2h 9m

Episode Overview

Robert Jones shares his harrowing journey of wrongful conviction and incarceration, spending nearly 24 years imprisoned for a brutal crime he did not commit. He recounts the initial shock of arrest, the lengthy pre-trial detention in Orleans Parish Jail, and the emotional toll of being convicted despite exculpatory evidence withheld by authorities. Robert’s story highlights systemic failures in the justice system, including prosecutorial misconduct and the challenges of navigating prison life while maintaining hope and dignity. His resilience is evident as he describes educating himself on the law, advocating for fellow inmates, and ultimately securing his exoneration in 2017. Josh Dubin, who co-counseled Robert’s civil rights case, provides legal context and insight into the broader implications of wrongful convictions. Together, they discuss the psychological and social repercussions of long-term imprisonment, the difficulty of reintegration, and the importance of empathy and respect within the prison environment. Robert’s post-release work as a community advocate and his efforts to reform the criminal justice system underscore a powerful message of transformation and activism. The conversation also touches on the human nature behind jury decisions, the flaws in death qualification processes, and the urgent need for systemic change to prevent future miscarriages of justice.

About Josh Dubin

Josh Dubin is a prominent civil rights attorney and the Executive Director of the Perlmutter Center for Legal Justice, where he advocates for comprehensive criminal justice reform. With a track record of challenging wrongful convictions and fighting systemic injustices, Dubin has made significant strides in promoting equitable legal practices. He is particularly known for his innovative work in utilizing technology and data-driven approaches to address issues within the justice system. Dubin's compelling insights into the intersections of law, technology, and social equity make him a captivating voice in the ongoing dialogue about justice reform, as showcased in his appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience.

About Robert Jones

Robert Jones is a remarkable motivational speaker, community activist, and co-founder of Free-Dem Foundations, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to mentoring youth and guiding them toward positive futures. After spending over two decades wrongfully imprisoned for crimes he did not commit, including rape and kidnapping, Robert was exonerated on January 26, 2017, shining a light on the flaws in the criminal justice system. Now a passionate advocate for poverty abolition and criminal justice reform, he uses his powerful story to inspire others and drive meaningful change in his community. His resilience and commitment to uplifting those around him make him a compelling figure in the fight for justice and equality. Follow his journey on Instagram: @robertjonesofnola.

Key Moments

– Eyewitness Testimony
– Wrongful Conviction
– Innocence Project
– Criminal Justice Reform
– DNA Evidence
– Civil Rights Litigation
– Prison Life
– Post-Incarceration Transition
– Jury Selection
– Death Penalty
– Legal Advocacy
– Police Misconduct
– Sentencing Disparities
– Family Reunification
– Community Outreach
– Mental Health in Prison
– Legal System Failures
– Exoneration Process
– Public Defender System
0:01:29 – Definition and importance of exculpatory evidence
0:02:13 – Robert's wrongful imprisonment for 23 years
0:05:05 – Helping represent Robert in civil rights case
0:06:07 – Adjusting to life after wrongful incarceration
0:08:07 – Helping a disabled woman cross the street
0:13:36 – Four years in Orleans Parish Jail before conviction
0:16:08 – Withholding of evidence proving innocence
0:17:48 – How Robert became a suspect in the case
0:20:29 – Dropping out of school and early life struggles
0:23:20 – Hiring legal help despite family poverty
0:27:16 – Losing touch with family during incarceration
0:33:14 – Studying law and GED while imprisoned
0:36:24 – Writing to government officials for help
0:38:03 – Dealing with animosity from prison guards
0:40:01 – Emotional impact of wrongful imprisonment
0:41:46 – Understanding the suffering of the incarcerated
0:45:18 – Self-protection mindset in prison
0:49:29 – Mortality and violence inside Angola prison
0:57:07 – Pursuing DNA testing to prove innocence
1:06:32 – Death qualification in jury selection
1:10:18 – Describing prison food fights and survival
1:15:42 – Facing life sentence for a crime not committed
1:22:10 – The courtroom as a strategic game
1:24:59 – Becoming desensitized and sociopathic in prison
1:29:30 – Need for reform in law enforcement and prosecution
1:31:43 – Respect for honorable detective in case
1:36:41 – Questioning accountability of those who wrongfully imprisoned
1:38:57 – Overturning conviction and dropping charges
1:41:55 – Robert's current role in public defense
1:46:18 – Building a platform for fairness and justice
1:48:44 – Rebuilding and losing family relationships
1:56:31 – Working with Innocence Project post-release
2:00:33 – Maintaining positivity and purpose after prison
2:02:29 – Importance of sharing wrongful conviction stories
2:03:52 – Impact of wrongful conviction stories on public
2:04:37 – Closing remarks and gratitude for conversation

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 The Joe Rogan Experience. Starting point is 00:00:17 And Robert, very nice to meet you. Starting point is 00:00:29 Let's just get into it. Starting point is 00:01:29 exculpatory evidence or evidence that would tend to show someone's innocence. So it was an hour-long Starting point is 00:02:13 And I said, how long was he in for? He said, almost 24 years, 23 years, seven months for a vicious rape and murder that he didn't commit. Starting point is 00:03:12 And they're usually shell shocked in a way that is not conducive to public speaking. Starting point is 00:04:05 few cocktails and he he told me his whole story about the crime about this Starting point is 00:05:05 really extraordinary. And then, um, I went on to help represent him in his, his civil rights case. Starting point is 00:06:07 Is it, have you like gradually become accustomed to this idea that they're not going to drag you back in? Starting point is 00:06:58 So, yeah, it has been a transition from the first day I got out Starting point is 00:07:29 Respect is huge, and just having that empathy Starting point is 00:08:07 the the full stand canes yeah like a walker yeah like a walker right and it's like she's crossing Starting point is 00:08:39 I went and helped her, made sure that she crossed the street safely. Starting point is 00:08:58 So I knew that I was in for a hell of a transition. Starting point is 00:09:28 Right. Starting point is 00:10:33 uh me for some crimes uh and i was like i mean knowing i commit no crimes right so like Starting point is 00:11:27 because I know I didn't do shit, right? Starting point is 00:12:01 So I'm thinking that when people commit crime they get arrested they go Starting point is 00:12:52 You don't find these things out until eventually you're arrested. Starting point is 00:13:36 then they said they didn't have eyewitness so in the Orleans Parish Jail, right, I stayed in the Orleans Parish Jail four years, four years before I was actually convict...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #1714?

Josh Dubin & Robert Jones was the guest on JRE #1714. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #1714?

On Joe Rogan Experience #1714 with Josh Dubin & Robert Jones, topics include Eyewitness Testimony, Wrongful Conviction, Innocence Project, and Criminal Justice Reform.

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