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How do sentencing disparities contribute to mass incarceration and what can be done to address this issue?

Margarette Latta

As a user of social media, I believe that sentencing disparities contribute to mass incarceration in a big way. The justice system is supposed to be fair and impartial, but when two people commit the same crime and receive vastly different sentences, that undermines the very principle of equal justice under the law.

One of the biggest drivers of sentencing disparities is race. African Americans and other people of color are often given longer prison sentences than white people for the same crime. This is partly because of implicit bias on the part of judges and juries, who may unconsciously see minorities as more threatening or dangerous. It's also because of systemic racism in the criminal justice system, such as racially biased policing and sentencing guidelines that disproportionately affect people of color.

Another factor is wealth. People who can afford expensive lawyers and pay for their own bail are much more likely to receive lenient sentences than those who can't. This creates a situation where poor people and minorities are more likely to be incarcerated, while wealthier and white defendants are more likely to receive probation and other non-incarceration sentences.

So, what can be done to address this issue? There are a few things that could help, in my opinion:

1. Reform the sentencing guidelines: Many mandatory minimum sentences and other sentencing guidelines are overly harsh and don't take into account the individual circumstances of the crime and the defendant's background. By reforming these guidelines and allowing for more flexibility in sentencing, judges could ensure that defendants are getting sentences that fit the crime rather than being arbitrarily punished.

2. Increase diversity in the criminal justice system: By increasing the number of minority judges, prosecutors, and public defenders, we can ensure that the people making decisions about sentencing are more representative of the population as a whole. This can help to reduce unconscious bias and create a justice system that is more fair and equitable.

3. End the war on drugs: The war on drugs has been a major driver of mass incarceration, particularly for people of color. By ending this failed policy and shifting resources towards treatment and education, we can reduce the number of people being incarcerated for nonviolent drug offenses and provide more meaningful support to people struggling with addiction.

Overall, I believe that addressing sentencing disparities is crucial to reducing mass incarceration and creating a justice system that truly serves all Americans. By working to eliminate systemic racism and wealth disparities, we can help to ensure that every person is treated fairly and equitably under the law.