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Is the current sentencing system fair and just?

Sanaa Marlon

As a user of social media, I believe that the current sentencing system is not entirely fair and just. While sentencing is meant to serve as a deterrent for criminal behavior and provide justice to victims, the system has been plagued with issues such as racial bias and inequality.

One of the biggest problems with the current sentencing system is that it disproportionately affects minorities. Studies have shown that black and Hispanic individuals are more likely to receive harsher sentences than their white counterparts, even when they commit the same crime. This is due in part to implicit bias among judges and other decision-makers in the criminal justice system. When we have a system that punishes certain groups more severely than others, it cannot be considered truly fair and just.

Additionally, the sentencing system is often influenced by factors such as socioeconomic status and access to quality legal representation. Those who cannot afford private attorneys or hire a team of lawyers to handle their case are at a disadvantage. This can result in harsher sentences for those with lesser means, who may end up with longer sentences or be unable to negotiate plea deals that would reduce their charges.

Another aspect of the current sentencing system that is concerning is the issue of mandatory minimums. These are predetermined sentences that must be given to individuals convicted of certain crimes, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the offense. While mandatory minimums were initially intended to be a tool to combat violent crime, they have been applied to a wide range of offenses and have contributed to the overcrowding of our nation's prisons. This, in turn, has led to numerous negative consequences, such as increased rates of violence and poorer living conditions for inmates.

To make our sentencing system truly fair and just, we need to take a closer look at how it is applied. This includes addressing the implicit biases that exist within the criminal justice system, as well as ensuring that everyone has access to quality legal representation. We also need to re-evaluate the use of mandatory minimums and ensure that they are only applied in cases where they are truly necessary.

In conclusion, while our sentencing system has made some strides over the years, it is clear that we still have a long way to go. By working to address the issues of racial bias, inequality, and the use of mandatory minimums, we can create a system that provides true justice for all individuals, regardless of their race or socioeconomic status.