One of, if not the most, controversial government systems in America is our justice system. Hannah describes three parts of the justice system she feels need changing.
By Hannah Hall
The American justice system is arguably good and bad. The good includes putting people away who are worthy of being put away due to their heinous actions. But, there are also some parts of our system that should be changed–some more obvious than others. In my opinion, there are three aspects of the justice system that I find unfair, and that I believe should be fixed.
#1 The Bail System
“Justice for all” is a huge part of America’s character. But how can we tag the word “all” to the end of the phrase if we have a bail system that creates inequity? It’s basically saying that if you are rich enough, you don’t have to completely face the consequences of your crime–one being detention. Let’s just say two people commit the same crime, maybe assault. In California, the bail would run between $10k and $1mil (allprobailbond.com). That is a heck ton of money if you ask me!!! A rich person, on the other hand, may look at that and say no biggie. Somebody could post bail and bust their buddy out. This is happening all while the other person who has no money and no rich connections completely loses freedom, career, income, and time home with family, and most importantly they sit in jail for who knows how long. All while the rich person gets to sit at home awaiting their trial. “Money bail is a price tag on freedom that only serves as a wealth-based discrimination,” says nonprofit Equal Justice Under Law (equaljusticeunderlaw.org). California voters in the last election battled over abolishing bail. The bail-bond industry survived this proposition.
Hannah’s Opinion: Abolish Money Bail.
#2 Felon Voting
In many states, felons lose their right to vote once they are released. But other states have certain processes to go through in order to restore a convicted felon’s right to vote. Some processes include a pardon from their respective governor, waiting until their probation is complete, or paying fees. In only Vermont, Maine, and the District of Columbia, felons never lose their right to vote, even while incarcerated, and in 19 other states felons receive automatic voting restoration upon release (ncsl.org). I disagree with Vermont, Maine, and D.C.’s position on letting the incarcerated vote. I think that right comes at the cost of being convicted for a crime. You do it, you lose it…(sorry to the innocent people in jail!) However, I can fully say that I think a felon’s voting rights should be automatically restored upon release from imprisonment. All they should have to do is re-register to vote, then, boom, it’s done…rights restored.
Hannah’s Opinion: Restore Felons’ Voting Rights.
#3 Private Prisons
Luckily this one is on its way out. On January 25, 2021, our President Joe Biden signed an executive order to stop contract renewal between private prisons and the Department of Justice (newsweek.com). Starting off, there is no reason a prison should be run for profit. Simply, it is unethical to take advantage of an incarcerated population with few rights. Secondly, private prisons are criticized for being under-regulated (ojp.gov). This lack of oversight invites assault, poor food supply, and insufficient medical care. All people deserve basic human decency.
Hannah’s Opinion: Abolish Private Prisons.
If you have any incarceration-related opinions, please drop them in the comments. Do you agree? Do you disagree? Let us know what you think should be criminalized or decriminalized within the justice system.
Decriminalize/Criminalize Editor: Evan Spry
Sources:
https://www.ncsl.org/research/elections-and-campaigns/felon-voting-rights.aspx
Very nice thoughtful commentary. I agree with abolishing with bail bonds system. It tends to benefit those that can afford to sit at home while awaiting trial, but it also takes advantage of working class people whom own property or have collateral and want to bail their loved ones out. Many people use everything due to this idea of bailing their children or loved ones out. Because some people run on the bail and then the family loses their home or other equity. It’s very common when parent or grandparent is sympathetic to their loved ones. I agree with letting felons vote again. Some of the convictions are really minor. Another issue with private prisons is they are not well regulated. Overall, the prison system is creating a holding cell for more criminal activity. 20% of prisoners are mentally ill and really should not be in prison but a lock down mental health facility which our nation closed most fo tom in the 1980s. And over 50% of the prison population is below normal IQ and cannot make good decisions on a daily basis. The core of prison life is based on childhood trauma. If we can acknowledge the need to prevent childhood abuse neglect we can have a better outcome with prison experiences. It is the saddest issue when people are over convicted or wrongly convicted.
Clear voice and point of view. Nice supporting evidence!!!
This was a really interesting piece and I think you made a lot of really great points.