Notes

Is the justice system just in America?

Imagine you brought a bike from a friend when you were 12, you stole from a shop when you were 15 for a joke, and were caught in possession of illegal drugs when you were 21.

Thomas Williams a black male, was eventually given a life sentence for the possession of a stolen bike, due to the third strike law. He had not actually stolen the bike ; he had brought it from someone who had. His pervious strikes were non forceful residential burglary in the early 1980's. He was quoted saying 'I have no violence in background', yet this man faces a life sentence next to corrupt felons, juxtaposing his petty crimes.

The three strike law was implemented on march the 7th, 1994, which states a person of three prior convictions, likely being of little severity and non violence, could be served a life sentence. This is unjust. And it only results in reduction of crime as it hides the problem rather than solving it.

This may not shock you as out society works on the basis that a crime results in punishment, and it can be argued that prison is reasonable to ensure safety in daily lives, and this I believe. But the treatment in prison is not just. Mental detrition. Self harm. Assault. Within a prison, many three strike offenders, like Thomas, live next to an accumulation of violent, malicious, sinister people who commit crimes as dark as rape, murder and terrorism.

What positive impact would this have? Evidently none.

The three strikes law is a good illustration of the fundamental flaws in the US justice system. It demonstrates how money driven it is. Rather the rehabilitating small time criminals who committed petty crimes they lock them away because its cheaper. This ignores the nuanced circumstances which motivate people to commit such crimes in the first place. Poverty. Racial inequality. Mental health. Drug abuse problems. And it only makes it easier for these people of a disadvantage to be arrested and off the streets.

One shocking statistic which demonstrates this is the fact that 1/3 black men in Washington spend time in prison in their lifetime, this being five time the rate of white people. The third strike law is a contributing factor to this inequality as stereotypically in a pre 21st society, white individuals hold superiority over any other race, decreasing there chance of being affected as they are 'commonly' stable. Racial caste is thought to be distinct, but actually, its only been merely redesigned.

Furthermore, overcrowding is a consequence of the wrongful criminal justice policy. It undermines the ability of prison systems to meet a humans basic needs such as healthcare and food. Men and Women live confined to a 70 square foot cell containing up to four people, repressed from things as simplistic as sunlight. It also compromises the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs and educational training. Can you imagine being stripped of your human rights ? And do you think that it would change an individuals actions and thoughts?

The answer to that is no. Americas prison system doesn't work. Think, 79% of criminals reoffended.

Whilst crime breaking can not be fully justified as it still involves breaking the law, it can be reduced. And I believe that the unjust justice system of America only increase prison rate. Americas government is so motivated by wealth, A metaphorical bank. Americas government is a bias bank that doesn't serve the needs of anyone of a less fortune or variation. Making it so easy for these people to be arrested as they have been rejected by society so little opportunities. It gives no one multiple chances of redemption. Look at rehab, filled with mainly famous wealth obsessed celebrities not desperate people in need. Then look at prison, filled with commonly poor, unfortunate people serving life. An ultimate isolation .

So I'm going to leave you with my idea on the US justice system...

Strike one: warned. Strike two: detained. Strike three: life in prison.