Kim Kardashian's Unexpected Impact on Justice

My name is Joshua Bevill.  I'm serving a 30-year sentence for a low-level, nonviolent offense.  I've been in federal prison for about 15 years.  I've spent a decade-plus immersed in federal sentencing law, as well as honing my skills as an effective writer and storyteller, which go hand in hand with helping federal prisoners articulate compelling legal positions that also captures the human side.

That said, I spend my days helping my fellow prisoners win their freedom, as prisoners do not have a right to an attorney during the post-conviction stage, which is when they need an attorney the most. 

During my time on the frontlines, I've watched the real-world human toll of injustice.  And so I also follow closely the handful of amazing people the business of law who actually care about the souls who have been crushed under weight of unjust sentences.

I, for instance, have written about the best of the best—real-world superheroes like MiAngel Cody and Brittany K. Barnett and JaneAnne Murray and Mark Osler. 

But I'm absolutely intrigued by Kim Kardashian's foray into criminal justice advocacy.  This is a women who has nothing to gain—and everything to lose—by investing her time and money and life in helping rectify injustice, a selfless, demanding pursuit that brings ridicule and criticism.

Kim Kardashian, a name synonymous with reality television and celebrity culture, has recently emerged as a surprisingly influential voice in criminal justice reform.  Her journey from red carpet to courtroom advocate is a fascinating one, marked by both genuine passion and a healthy dose of controversy. 

From Reality TV to Clemency

In 2018, Kardashian learned of Alice Johnson, a woman serving a life sentence for a first-time, nonviolent drug offense. Johnson’s story brought the harsh realities of our legal system to Kardashian, whose own father had been incarcerated for a time during her childhood. No doubt this experience may have fostered empathy for those families caught in a broken justice system.

Meeting Johnson in person was the flame that ignited Kardashian’s passion for justice reform. She used her celebrity to advocate for Johnson's release, culminating in a successful meeting with then-President Trump. This experience fueled Kardashian’s desire to pursue broader reform efforts. 

Kardashian’s secret weapon in this fight has been her massive social media following. With over 350 million followers on various platforms, Kardashian has been able to amplify the stories of individuals she believes have been wrongly convicted or sentenced too harshly. These powerful narratives, usually absent from mainstream media, raise public awareness about our broken justice system and the human cost of incarceration. 

Lobbying for Change

Kardashian has gone on to use her influence to lobby for broader reform efforts.  As an example, she played a pivotal role in the passage of the First Step Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at reducing recidivism rates by providing educational and rehabilitation programs for incarcerated individuals. While not a cure-all, this legislation represents a significant step forward, and Kardashian's advocacy undoubtedly contributed to its passage.

But Kardashian's commitment extends far beyond her social media posts and lobbying efforts.  In 2019, she launched "Kim Kardashian West: The Justice Project,” a documentary series that takes a deep dive into specific cases, offering viewers a firsthand look at the complexities of the legal system and the devastating consequences of wrongful convictions and excessive sentencing.

But perhaps more importantly, the docuseries humanizes the issue, allowing viewers to connect with the people and families caught in our broken and corrupt legal system. By fostering these emotional connections, Kardashian is helping the general public develop empathy and understanding, crucial ingredients for pushing for change.

The Pursuit of Knowledge: Law School and Beyond

Kardashian's dedication to reform extends to her own education.  While not a lawyer herself (at least not yet), she has taken significant steps toward a legal career.  In 2021, Kardashian passed the California "baby bar" exam, which allows her to apprentice under a lawyer while studying for the full bar exam.

This move signifies her commitment to deepening her legal knowledge and potentially pursuing a legal career focused on reform.  By acquiring a deeper understanding of the legal system, Kardashian can become a more effective advocate, leaning into her expertise alongside her platform and passion.

Kim Kardashian's journey into criminal justice reform is ongoing.  Her influence has sparked critical conversations, ignited public awareness, and contributed to concrete measures like the First Step Act.  While her methods may be unconventional, the impact is undeniable.

With all of that said, Kim doesn't just write a check at some fancy fundraiser.  She gets her hands dirty.  She is on the frontlines, in the fox hole—studying, learning, sacrificing, fighting for well-deserving prisoners.

What a heart this women has. She's only 43—God willing, just imagine what she will accomplish over the next few decades.