The Discrimination Problem in the Criminal Justice System
A significant problem in the criminal justice system is race and social class discrimination, frequently resulting in a miscarriage of justice. For instance, studies have repeatedly demonstrated that victims and offenders of color in the criminal justice system are disproportionately people of color. This overrepresentation results from prejudice, including racial profiling, unfair treatment by law enforcement, and more systemic social problems, such as poverty, resource scarcity, and past injustices.
The criminal justice system is significantly shaped by social class as well. Compared to their more affluent counterparts, those from lower socioeconomic groups are more likely to be detained, charged with crimes, and given harsher sentences. This is because the criminal justice system frequently sees crime as a result of an individual’s failings rather than the social and economic factors that affect how people live their lives. Furthermore, a miscarriage of justice has resulted from the “get tough” sentencing guidelines that have gained popularity recently. Regardless of the seriousness of the offense or the circumstances surrounding the individual, these policies prioritize harsher and lengthier punishments for offenders. This method disregards the underlying social causes of criminal conduct, such as deprivation of resources, lack of knowledge, and limited access.
Many recommendations can be made in the long run to uphold justice and make society safer. The underlying social and economic issues that influence criminal conduct must be addressed first. This entails spending money on initiatives that can give people the tools they need to succeed, such as social services, job training, and education. Second, it is critical to overhauling the criminal justice system to eliminate racial and social class prejudice. This can entail taking action to lessen racial profiling, broadening the diversity of law enforcement, and changing sentencing guidelines to place more emphasis on restoration and rehabilitation than punishment.