The Perceived Role Of The Criminal Justice System

The Perceived Role Of The Criminal Justice Systemthe Criminal Justice

The Perceived Role Of The Criminal Justice Systemthe Criminal Justice

The Perceived Role of the Criminal Justice System The criminal justice system aims to acknowledge, identify, educate, and punish for the well-being of the greater community. Criminal law serves as a guide to limit human actions and protect them from illegal behaviors. The central perception of the criminal justice system is that it is designed to deliver justice to all without discrimination. Author of Just Mercy Bryan Stevenson argues that "[p]resumptions of guilt, poverty, racial bias, and a host of other social, structural, and political dynamics have created a system that is defined by error (WHAT ERRORS?), a system in which thousands of innocent people now suffer in prison" (20). I agree with this argument because it is true that our current criminal justice system fails to maintain justice and equality.

Today, our criminal justice system fails to meet its perception of fairness. People hope that if they bring their case to the criminal justice system, their cases will be fairly judged. Nevertheless, in reality, these decisions are being made based on the racial, ethnic, socioeconomic and political statuses of individuals. The criminal justice system fails to play its perceived role because presumptions of social, economic, and political differences exist across society. People are arrested unfairly, particularly due to racial biases. Social presumptions such as poverty, racial and ethnic bias, and social status continue to influence decisions within the system (McDonald et al.). Certain groups, especially Black Americans, face systemic discrimination that leads to unfair treatment and wrongful convictions. As Stevenson notes, “Discriminatory practices rooted in racial bias have long marred our justice system, leading to disproportionate incarceration of minority populations” (Stevenson 25).

In our criminal justice system, white Americans are often given priority over Black Americans, regardless of guilt. Courts tend to favor the white majority, leaving many innocent Black individuals in prison. Black people are frequently wrongfully convicted because of racial discrimination, which perpetuates inequality. Furthermore, socioeconomic factors exacerbate this bias: poor individuals, often minorities, cannot afford quality legal representation and are more susceptible to arrest and conviction. Stevenson highlights that “People from marginalized communities are systematically denied fairness, largely because of social presumptions about their character and worth” (Stevenson 30). This systemic bias undermines the fundamental purpose of justice to uphold fairness and equality for all.

Additionally, economic disparities significantly impact the fairness of the criminal justice process. Poverty limits access to legal resources, making it difficult for many to fight wrongful accusations. Many impoverished individuals commit offenses like drug-related crimes out of necessity, and they often lack support for rehabilitation. Stevenson emphasizes that “We have given up on rehabilitation, education, and services for the imprisoned because assisting the incarcerated is too kind and compassionate” (Stevenson 19). This neglect results in a cycle where the marginalized remain incarcerated without meaningful support for reintegration into society. The concentration of socio-economic disparities fosters a prison system biased in favor of the wealthy, often turning prisons into profit-driven enterprises, as Stevenson notes: “Private prison builders and prison service companies have spent millions of dollars to persuade state and local governments to create new crimes, impose harsher sentences, and keep more people locked up so that they can earn more profits” (Stevenson 20). This focus on profit over rehabilitation perpetuates inequality, preventing the justice system from effectively serving society's needs.

Economic stratification further influences incarceration rates, with lower-income individuals bearing the brunt of the system’s failures. Studies show a reverse relationship between economic health and crime rates: as economic conditions worsen, crime tends to increase. Providing employment opportunities and basic social services could significantly reduce crime and wrongful convictions, addressing root causes rather than symptoms. Instead of investing heavily in prisons, resources should be directed toward community development—education, healthcare, and job creation—to foster social equity. Stevenson advocates for a shift: “Investing in community programs and social safety nets is not only more humane but also more effective in reducing crime than incarceration” (Stevenson 21). Thus, addressing economic disparities is crucial to creating a more equitable criminal justice system.

The intertwining of politics and the criminal justice system further complicates the pursuit of justice. Political influences shape policy decisions, often reflecting racial or socio-economic biases. Policies designed under racial politics prioritize majorities' interests while marginalizing minorities. Stevenson describes how political pressure distorts justice: “Politicians and interest groups manipulate law enforcement policies to serve their agendas, often at the expense of minority communities” (Stevenson 27). This politicization leads to laws that disproportionately target minority populations, reinforcing systemic inequality. Politicians may influence judges and law enforcement to produce outcomes favorable to powerful interests, undermining the independence of the judiciary and the public’s trust in the justice system. As a result, innocent individuals suffer due to policies driven by fear, bias, and political pressure rather than fairness and the rule of law.

In conclusion, the current criminal justice system falls significantly short of its perceived role of delivering fairness and equality. Social, economic, and political presumptions continue to influence decisions, leading to systemic injustice that disproportionately affects marginalized communities. The system’s failure to prioritize rehabilitation or address root causes like poverty and inequality exacerbates the cycle of incarceration. Stevenson’s insights underscore the need for profound reforms—shifting the focus from profit and punishment toward justice, fairness, and social support. Without addressing these fundamental flaws, the criminal justice system will remain an error-ridden institution incapable of fulfilling its promise of equitable justice for all.

Works Cited

• McDonald, Kris, et al. “Reducing Justice System Inequality.” The Future of Children, vol. 28, no. 1, 2018, pp. 10–65. Accessed 18 January 2023.
• Stevenson, Bryan. Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption. Random House Publishing Group, 2014.