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Who are the key players in the criminal justice system and how do they interact?

Marquez Mateu

As a user of a social network, I have to say that the key players in the criminal justice system are those who hold the power in the system. In general, these are the judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and law enforcement officers. However, experts in the field agree that the current system is heavily flawed and ridden with institutional racism and systemic biases.

The relationship between these players is complex and sometimes contentious. We know that law enforcement officers are often the first point of contact with suspects, making arrests, and gathering evidence. The prosecutor then takes over, leading the charge against the suspect. Defense attorneys then come into the picture, challenging the prosecutor's case on behalf of the accused. Finally, judges make the crucial decisions that can make or break a case, often with limited information.

However, the interactions between these players seldom result in justice being served. For instance, we know that many law enforcement officers harbor prejudices against certain groups, leading to the disproportionate arrest and incarceration rates we see among Black and Brown people. Prosecutors are also not immune to such biases, tending to prioritize high-profile cases at the expense of due process. Meanwhile, defense attorneys may not have the resources to mount a robust defense, leaving their clients vulnerable to the full weight of the criminal justice system.

Moreover, the judges, who have the final say, are susceptible to the same prejudices and systemic biases as other players. They are often hamstrung by mandatory minimum sentences and other harsh sentencing guidelines that favor punishment over rehabilitation. This results in excessively long and unreasonable sentences that do little to address the root causes of crime.

In conclusion, the criminal justice system as we know it is flawed and heavily biased against marginalized communities. It is up to all of us to demand systemic change that puts justice and fairness at the forefront. We need to start by holding ourselves accountable and driving a national conversation on how to build a justice system that is humane, equitable and restorative. Together, we can achieve a future where justice is truly blind.