From Punishment to Penance: The British Roots of American Justice

Examine the guiding principles of the United States justice system and their evolution—from British colonial roots to the bold experiment of America’s first penitentiary and into the present day. Consider how and why the young nation’s founders rejected public punishment and crowded holding rooms in favor of penance and solitary cells. Reflect on what the revolutionary history of Eastern State Penitentiary continues to teach leaders in the field about the complex interplay between civil liberties, criminal justice, and public safety.
The conversation will be led by a panel of British-American Project Fellows with expertise in public safety and corrections visiting Philadelphia for the group’s 2026 Annual Conference, which is themed “Revolution.” Welcoming remarks by Pauline Abernathy (Founding Executive Director, Harvard Impact Labs). Moderated by Kerry Sautner, Ed.D (President and CEO, Eastern State). Speakers include Rob Beckley QPM (High Sheriff of Somerset, 2024-2025) and Jon Murad (Commissioner, Vermont Department of Corrections).
The British-American Project is a transatlantic fellowship of over 1,700 leaders, rising stars, and opinion formers from a broad spectrum of occupations, backgrounds and political views. For more information, visit https://britishamericanproject.org/.