#Failures in Law and Order – When Justice Isn’t Blind, It’s Broken
By Monica Brown
The Unspoken Truth dives deep into societal shortcomings this month, and what better embodiment of a potential failure than the very system entrusted with upholding justice? Criminal justice systems across the globe grapple with imbalances that leave many questioning: who exactly is being served?
Unequal Scales: Wealth and Race
Let’s face it, justice often comes with a hefty price tag. Bail systems disproportionately impact low-income individuals, forcing them to plead guilty or languish in jail simply because they can’t afford freedom while awaiting trial. The cycle continues as missed work leads to job loss, further straining their ability to afford legal representation. Race also plays a undeniable role. Studies consistently show that people of colour are more likely to be arrested, convicted, and sentenced to harsher punishments for similar crimes compared to their white counterparts.
A System of Mass Incarceration
The US, for example, holds the dubious distinction of having the world’s largest incarcerated population, despite crime rates declining. This mass incarceration approach disproportionately impacts minorities and often fails to address the root causes of crime, leading to recidivism upon release.
Rehabilitation vs. Punishment
Justice shouldn’t be about vengeance, but about creating a safer society. Does the current system effectively rehabilitate offenders? Many argue that a focus on restorative justice, which prioritises repairing harm and reintegration into society, could prove more successful in the long run.
The Unspoken Truth: We All Have a Stake
A broken justice system weakens the very fabric of society. It breeds distrust, undermines public safety, and traps people in cycles of poverty and crime.
What can we do?
- Advocate for reform: Support organisations working to dismantle systemic biases and promote fairer sentencing practices.
- Educate ourselves: Understanding the issues is the first step towards creating change.
- Hold our representatives accountable: Demand policies that prioritise rehabilitation and address the root causes of crime.
The fight for a just and equitable society begins with acknowledging the shortcomings of the current system. Let’s break the silence and work together to ensure that justice is truly blind.
#Failures #CriminalJusticeReform
Monica Brown, Changemaker, Activist And Social Entrepreneur, CRW NEWS Freelance Columnist
Article Reproduced with Permission from Monica Brown
To view the original article by Monica Brown on LinkedIn visit here
We hope you enjoyed the article, you can read more articles from Monica here and there will be more regular weekly articles from Monica Brown coming soon.
