The discrimination in the criminal justice system is undeniable and can be observed in many ways in America. It has always been a reason to ask if either the system is per se discriminatory or the authorities are discriminating in implementing the law to the public.
The broken criminal justice system has damaged many people’s lives and caused misery in American society. The disparity in arresting, prosecuting, and sentencing is still a major issue in the justice system. Race and economic class are the two major factors that divide people when they face the justice system.
For example, Jeffrey Epstein’s case has been one of the most serious and perilous sex trafficking of minors and became a global scandal. Various American politicians and prominent figures were involved in the case or associated with Epstein but no investigations were conducted as the Justice Department did not pursue further to indict these high-profile individuals.
Obviously, President Trump, former President Clinton, White House chief strategist Steve Bannon, U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack, and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gate have appeared on Epstein’s files with pictures indicating their relationships with him.
However, the power of politics and money definitely impacts the Criminal Justice System to a higher degree in the U.S. Looking at the Criminal Justice System it appears to be an ideal system that fairly brings justice to the American people. Apparently, the unjust arrests and prosecutions that are occurring in communities with high-populated minorities cannot be overlooked as the justice system has been politicized to protect the powerful figures in America.
Shielding the powerful politicians and billionaires’ interests will dilute the Americans’ trust in the U.S justice system. In fact, applying law discriminately can cause turmoil in society, and this is what the elected officials should prevent from occurring.
The racial discrimination in the Criminal justice system also affects the minorities economically as creates further burden for Black and non-White Americans. For example, according to Fines and Fees, Justice Center, comparing the time Black and White involved with court in Texas, Black defendants spend 218 days before disposition while White defendants spend 159 days. And although the amount of fees and fines were not significantly different but still for Blacks were $68 higher compared to White.
Along with other states, Virginia is not an ideal state as the racial discrimination entrenched in this state. According to The Commonwealth Institute (2024), Blacks are 18% of Virginia’s population but 33% of traffic and criminal fees and fines against them. Also court-serving localities where a highest share are Black residents and pay more fines and fees compared to localities with low Black residents.
Obviously, the burden always falls on minorities as the authorities at the federal, state, and local level often target them. After all, as the lawmakers often disregard the public’s opposition to legislation that negatively affects minorities, such opposition should continue in a civilized manner to battle discrimination across the nation.
