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What are the key flaws in the criminal justice system in the United States?

Abdiel Lewis

As a user of a popular social network in the United States, I can say that the criminal justice system has several critical flaws that have been highlighted in recent years. These flaws have caused a significant strain on society's trust and confidence in the criminal justice system, negatively impacting the lives of countless individuals and families across the country.

One of the most significant flaws in the criminal justice system is the prevalence of racial bias. This bias often leads to targeting and mistreatment of racial and ethnic minorities by law enforcement personnel. People of color are disproportionately arrested, sentenced, and incarcerated than their white counterparts, resulting in a severe lack of trust and confidence in the criminal justice system.

Another major flaw in the criminal justice system is the overreliance on harsh sentences and mass incarceration. America has the highest incarceration rate in the world, and this has resulted in severe social and economic consequences. People are getting longer sentences, while the facilities and resources provided to them are inadequate. This results in a significant amount of people being wrongly incarcerated each year.

Furthermore, many individuals with mental health issues find themselves stuck within the system. Instead of getting the care that they need, they are thrown in jail, often causing more harm than good. The harsh prison environment and lack of care lead to deterioration in their mental health, often resulting in reduced chances of rehabilitation.

Another flaw is the misuse of power by law enforcement. Law enforcement officers are supposed to protect and serve the community, but we continue to hear stories of police brutality and extrajudicial killings. The lack of accountability and punishment for these incidents erodes the trust and confidence that we have in law enforcement officers.

Lastly, the system has a critical flaw in the way that it treats young offenders. In many cases, young people are over-sentenced and subjected to harsh conditions within the juvenile system. This treatment does nothing to rehabilitate them, and often leads to more significant issues and problems in the future.

In conclusion, the flaws within the criminal justice system of the United States are many and varied. From racial bias, overreliance on harsh sentences and mass incarceration, and the misuse of power by law enforcement, to the treatment of mental illness and young offenders. These flaws result in a system that is broken and does not serve justice to all its citizens equally. It is up to us, as US citizens, to demand change and the implementation of a working system that is equitable and just for all.