The Courage of Compassion: A Journey from Judgment to Connection

by Robin Steinberg, Camilo Ramirez (Contributor)

"Powerfully insightful reading." —Kirkus Reviews

How would you like to be judged for the rest of your life by the worst thing you’ve ever done?

We all think we are compassionate just like we all think we are honest. But true compassion is not innate. Compassion for others, especially those that we don’t know or understand, must be learned. Our lack of compassion is perhaps most extreme in the exercise of criminal justice, where a person’s entire life, worth, and character are judged through the myopic lens of a single act. But no one, says Robin Steinberg, should be reduced to their worst moment.

From the founder and CEO of The Bail Project, The Courage of Compassion unveils how we can reimagine justice through compassion. Steinberg shares her journey as a public defender, representing people at precisely that time in their lives — their own worst moment. She recounts the heart-wrenching stories of her clients and invites us to interrogate our fears and beliefs about justice and punishment. Lastly, Steinberg reveals moments when she questioned her own capacity for compassion, as well as her ability to fight for better, more humane justice from within a system that is riddled with holes and seemingly interminable problems.

A gritty tale about confronting injustice and challenging ourselves to rediscover our shared humanity, The Courage of Compassion is an invitation to join Steinberg as she explores what it will take to move beyond our current justice paradigm. The criminal justice system reflects a history and power structure, but it also mirrors how we come into society and show up for one another. As she writes, the quest to improve this system will only truly begin “when we can finally see in the faces of those ensnared and imprisoned in our legal system, ourselves. And when we can see our children, in their children.”

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Self Help, Social Justice, Psychology, Law

256 pages, Hardcover

Published April 11, 2023

Reviews

[Chaeyoung Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chat I finally finished this college-required book yippee. I lied saying I was gonna finish this yesterday lmaooo. lol I finished this one at the gym as well yuhh

Very interesting, idk if it’s bc I consumed a lot of sentimental, thought-provoking, interesting media recently or what but I rlly enjoyed this. I’m not rlly the type for nonfiction books but I think this has gotta be my favorite nonfiction book I’ve read past 9th grade. This speaks about compassion, as the title states, and explores deep into the justice system in America. Every chapter is about a case related to the different aspects of finding compassion and the system with data points as well as emotional moments. Being a public defender is a tough yet noble + underappreciated job, and I'm glad this book showcases that.

Music I listened to while reading this (not related to vibes of the book btw):
The entire “Chill Kill” album by Red Velvet
Rach 3 piano concerto (specifically the recording from the Van Cliburn competition by Lim Yunchan)

Lots of banger quotes in this one so I’ll write 3:
- "In truth, there is no 'system.' It is a group of human beings with egos, ambition, insecurities, and anger waging an unbalanced battle against another group of human beings who also have their own stories" pg 88
- “Justice is exercised and experienced at the individual level, where social and historical contexts might explain, but do not excuse, a person’s actions. Retribution and vengeance are powerful forces in our society and thus the criminal justice system.” pg 172
- “The word ‘compassion’ comes from Latin. It has two parts. ‘Pati,’ which means ‘to suffer’. And ‘com-‘ which means ‘with’. Compassion is to suffer with another. It is not to pity them. It is not to have mercy for them. It is to be in it with them, arm in arm” pg 213

tl;dr: school assigned non-fiction book gone surprisingly great

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The positive, glass half full outlook I needed to be reminded of.

“Curiosity is the precondition to compassion, and the courage we need to take fear.”

[Julia Chenoweth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author does a great job of telling very compelling stories while driving home her argument. I appreciated how we grew with her throughout the narrative. Highly recommend, especially if you’re interested in government or the justice system.

[Emma Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steinberg can definitely be a little grandiose throughout this but she knows a TON and has done a lot of incredible work so it was fine. I learned so much and would recommend to everyone. It’s a pretty quick read and not hard to get through but is super informative especially for someone who’s not that familiar with the judicial system.

[Sean Trujillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned quite a bit about the judicial system with this read. The stories included opened my eyes to how I sometimes may judge others even outside of a court room. It was educational without being written like a textbook. I enjoyed this book and got a lot from reading it.

[Gijs Limonard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honest stories of a public defence lawyer standing with her clients when justice is called for; an ardent appeal for a basic stance in life of kindness and compassion; a gentle reminder to acknowledge and honor our shared humanity.

[Mia Mattern · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gave a very insightful perspective into the criminal justice system in America. I really enjoyed learning about the various reform projects Steinberg initiated. I loved that she used individual cases to demonstrate the ways that she was lead by compassion in her career. However, I took some issue with a the way she discussed some of the people that she represented. Near the beginning of the book she talked about how her position was not to question what was right and what was wrong, she says that she didn't find whether someone was truly guilty to be a significant factor in her representation of them which I agree with of course (bc she's a public defender thats kinda her job). However she contradicts this idea multiple times when she is telling these stories because she mentions that she "never questioned [their] innocence" stating things like "I never thought he did it." Just seemed a bit unnecessary and counterproductive if your whole point is that people are "more than their worst action." If the whole idea is that we need to see people as an entity separate from the thing they did its not really effective to start with the argument that they didn't do it. Right? I don't know... not all of the stories were like this but I just thought the ones that were could have easily been replaced with a better example... or kept just with the emission of her belief in the client's innocence (because it's irrelevant). But that was just an observation not too bad a criticism because the rest of the book was really great, very accessible to those that don't have much/any legal knowledge.

[Neva Hidajat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moving reflections of Robin Steinberg, an inspirational female public defender on just how flawed the criminal justice system in America truly is. Opened my eyes to how our "justice" system relies on capital and one's ability to pay their way to freedom. It traps the poorest, weakest, most marginalized groups of people. Sure, loopholes exist, but they are found and taken advantage of by only the rich, powerful, and privileged. It takes courage to defend someone painted by society as a "criminal" and it's easy to define someone by their worst singular act. But approaching each individual with curiosity and finding a connection through shared humanity was how the author was able to ultimately find meaning in her complex work. While the personal reflections make the book, I felt that some of the writing was occasionally self-serving / perhaps not the most objective. But this was a great, moving book overall.

[Natalie Kenagy · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the point of view of a public defender, this book tackles systemic racism and sexism firsthand and honestly, really related to me as a passionate young woman. Steinberg's commitment to telling the whole stories of people, not just their crimes, and her ability to help the reader empathize was extremely impressive, especially for a first book (although her experience as an attorney likely helped advance her skills.) I highly recommend this read to anyone who lives in the US, especially those who have little to no knowledge regarding systemic racism, since this book has very easily digestible statistics and stories that don't overwhelm you. If you're unsure, just read it. Even if it's not your favorite, there are some good life lessons to be learned. I wasn't sure I'd like it, since I usually prefer fiction to nonfiction, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. 9/10 just wish it was longer.

[Phyllis Schwindt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nonfiction book that was recommended to me by the mother of a college freshman, it had been assigned as required summer reading. I found it absolutely worth reading — it opened my eyes to serious flaws in our legal system that I had been completely unaware of.
The author, a public defender for over 35 years, shares a stark picture of how justice really works in America. One of the most striking points is that two-thirds of people in jail are not serving sentences at all — they are simply awaiting trial, often for months or years, because they cannot afford cash bail. Even more alarming, fewer than 3% of cases ever make it to trial or a full hearing; instead, the system overwhelmingly depends on guilty pleas.
The book leaves us with a haunting question — the same one I was left asking myself: What will it take to make our legal system truly just?

[Bear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would love to give this book a 4.5. I thoroughly enjoyed this book it was a quick but powerful read. Steinberg does a phenomenal job organizing chapters in such a way that her points are as clear as possible. I finished the book with a greater knowledge of the US legal system, respect for Steinberg and her work, and a new list of things to reflect on. My only issue is that, in certain sections of the book, I felt Steinberg overused rhetoric. The persuasiveness of the language took away from the already compelling story she was telling. However, this is very much my personal preference as a reader and I wholeheartedly encourage anyone, especially anyone from or living in the US, to read this book.

[Elizabeth Solis · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Curiosity is the precondition for compassion, and the courage we need to tame fear. If we are ever to evolve our notion of justice, it will take more than the courage of conviction. It will take the courage of compassion."

This book articulated so many ideas and perspectives that I didn't know I needed articulated. Incredibly inspirational, Horrifyingly honest, and nauseatingly real are some words I'd string together to characterize this beautiful piece Steinberg created. Whether or not you particularly care about criminal justice reform, legal service, or political science/theory, this is a must-read.

[keeks ᵕ̈ · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insanely insightful book that not only addresses and makes the reader think about the way those in power diminish the meaning of justice, but how the common person reinforces those beliefs with their own actions. This book continually reminds readers to be aware of context and being willing to understand everyone - not just the people who look like us or think like us. This includes those that we create caricatures of and believe unable to ever find common ground or understanding. Not everything is black and white, and Steinburg makes that clear with the experiences she describes throughout her entire career - in and out of the courtroom.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steinberg, a criminal defense lawyer and public defender, provides an insider view of the criminal justice system and the ways people of color and the impoverished are disadvantaged and often don’t receive true justice. Many are coerced into guilty pleas by overburdened prosecutors, overloaded court schedules and understaffed public defender offices. Steinberg makes a strong case for seeing each individual as a vulnerable human being for making the entire system more compassionate. Not only would outcomes be fairer, there would be fewer wrongly convicted innocent people behind bars.

[Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish I could gift the learnings and world view from this book to every citizen in the United States. Such an important book. Such a hard subject. Steinberg’s storytelling ability and writing is excellent. All of it, taken as a piece, drive an important and crucial truth about our ‘criminal legal system’ - it’s set up to drive mass incarceration and make the poor, sick, and challenged suffer through cash bail and biased and unfair systems. And even with all that, the book is hopeful. Steinberg’s message and call to action is clear. I’m all in!

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steinberg worked as a Public Defender for decades. These are her stories about the system and the people in it.

Why I started this book: Strong supporter of The Bail Project.

Why I finished it: Heartbreaking and inspiring. Call to action and compassion. Under 6 hours, but it took longer to listen, as I had to stop and obsorb the hurt, hope and message.

[Tim W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compassion - to suffer with … good reminder of the realities of our criminal justice system and the inequities that are still very rampant across America to keep all of us privileged folks ‘safe’. And the machine just keeps stoking the fires of fear.

“I was in prison and you came to visit me ... I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:36, 40)

[Jordan Whitehouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this book was a required all-school read for my new school, I found it an easy, quick, and enjoyable read. I deeply appreciated Steinberg’s perspective on America’s flawed criminal justice system. She encourages finding the humanity in people and urges readers to reform how you think before judging people based off their worst mistakes. I would recommend this book to anyone, but especially those going into the criminal law system.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

All in all, a pretty good read. I was back and forth the whole time wondering if the author was awesome, or nuts. There are some cases mentioned where the persons in question absolutely deserve a second thought, but there are also some instances where my opinion severely mismatched. The author was incredibly honest whether judgement was on her side or not, and I found it refreshing. She made a lot of good points, and it was very interesting hearing about her advocacy

[Mp E · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the author says, Think about the worst moment in your life, the thing you did that you are most ashamed of....and imagine that is what a jury and judge will evaluate you on. They won't consider all the great things you did prior to that moment nor after that moment. ONLY that one terrible moment in your life. Add to that a massively corrupt justice system which protects the wealthy and protects its own. Ms. Steinberg writes about her career as a public defender and how her "naïveté" became important activism. Imagine if more people cared enough to learn the story behind the crime. Our society is fraught with generational trauma which goes untreated and unhealed. Ms. Steinberg doesn't say we should "let people off" for crimes. Instead, she advocates for a healthier system including fair due process according to our laws, careful thought to rehabilitation and a dismantling of an archaic justice system deeply rooted in systematic racism. Our current system doesn't abide by "innocent until proven guilty". There are not a lot of things positive in the news lately about Chicago these days but I AM proud that we were the FIRST state in the US to have done away with the cash bail system. Humanity must do better for each other. Thank You Ms. Steinberg for sharing your story and your life's work.

[Roy Kenagy]

DMPL EXAMINED 2023_11_11 LOOKS GOOD. NOT USEFUL FOR ANF.

Biography & Autobiography / Social Activists, Law / Criminal Law / General, Social Science / Penology, Compassion, Criminal justice, Administration of -- United States, Criminal law -- Moral and ethical aspects -- Social aspects, Public defenders -- Biography

[Carol Lebold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read. Sobering. I thought I knew how damaging our system is but I had no idea the depth and systemic practices that contribute. And where we stand in the world. Low. Also. Very provocative and insightful to apply her message and life approach to other situations where people fear and demonize one another. Politics comes to mind and she relates a 2020 personal humbling story.

[Lizzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

At times, this book was hard to read. I found myself mulling through so many emotions, but it's worth it. I think everyone needs to read this book or at least educate themselves on these topics and ideas. We ALL deserve compassion. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.

[Kendra Purtle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book felt like a mini-Just Mercy. Written by the public defender who founded the Bail Project, this book is filled with touching and real stories. It is moving, and the reality of the situation is undeniable. I loved it.

[Kerowyn Guillotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

well written

this book blew me away! to see the human at their weakest moment and to still have compassion for them. to know they are falsely accused and even rightly accused ... show compassion. wow

[Donna Giansiracusa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, easy to read. This book encourages us to develop compassion for all people, especially those marginalized in society. Leaves the reader hopeful that positive change can come to society, that "compassion restores our shared humanity". Highly recommend.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robin's career is inspiring and it was enlightening to hear about the origins of not only the Bronx Defenders but The Bail Project and Still She Rises. She reified my pride in being a public defender!

[Cara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Steinberg offers up stories from her career as a public defender to explore our criminal "injustice" system. The chapters are short and digestible, and each one asks the reader to look past initial assumptions and see the humanity in each individual.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

“ We’ve never been more knowledgeable, yet less curious about others and why they think the way they do.”

An incredible read!

[Mark Steacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Suspend judgment, be curious about the larger context, and stay open to seeing the whole person.” —Robin Steinberg

There are implications here far beyond courtrooms. An exceptional read…