Justly Doing Justice: A Critical Analysis of the American Justice System

The Myth of Fairness

The American justice system often claims to be fair and impartial, but in reality, it can be biased towards certain groups of people. The justice system disproportionately targets and penalizes people of color, those living in poverty, and those with mental illness. One example of this bias is the war on drugs, which has been shown to target African American and Hispanic communities despite the fact that drug use rates are similar across all races. Additionally, studies have found that individuals with mental illness are more likely to be arrested and convicted than those without.

The Failure of Rehabilitation

While the justice system claims to prioritize rehabilitation, the reality is that it often fails to provide adequate resources and support to individuals trying to turn their lives around. Many prisons and jails are overcrowded and understaffed, making it difficult to provide quality programming and counseling to inmates. Additionally, the stigma surrounding criminal records can make it challenging for individuals to find employment and housing after their release, increasing the likelihood of recidivism.

The Need for Systemic Change

In order to truly do justice to those affected by the American justice system, systemic change is necessary. This could include diverting funding from policing and incarceration towards community-based programs and social services such as mental healthcare, housing, and education. It could also involve reforming sentencing practices and reducing mandatory minimums and three-strikes laws. Furthermore, providing incentives for employers to hire individuals with criminal records and expanding access to record sealing and expungement could help ease the barriers to reentry.In conclusion, the American justice system has a long way to go in truly doing justice to all individuals impacted by it. By acknowledging and addressing biases, focusing on rehabilitation and systemic change, we can work towards creating a justice system that truly serves all members of society.