"The system is not fair. Institutional racism is alive and well in the juvenile justice system, as it is in the criminal justice system. It's easier to identify with people that are more like yourself, so if you have judges that are predominantly from that same community, they can identify. . . . The same thing happens with people who have money versus people who don't have money--if they can demonstrate a support system that can act as a safety net or think they can act as a safety net for them on the outside, judges are more prone to buy into that."
- Bridgett Jones, Former Supervisor with Santa Clara County Public Defender
As Americans, we have high expectations of both our juvenile and criminal justice systems. It is reasonable that we can expect both systems to be fair and equitable in the way they enforce the law of the land. However, research says that the juvenile system is doing an immense disservice to youthful offenders of color. They are highly over-represented in juvenile detention centers as well as in adult prisons and jails. Based on these statistics this article quotes a handful of professionals within the juvenile justice system on their thoughts about this issue.
The dilemma lies in the fact that many judges and others working in the system recognize the bias that exists. Most of them are aware of it and trying to work against it. But no one really seems to know where to place blame and focus reform. After reading these quotes, what do you think the best way to deal with this issue might be?
The issues of racism and disproportionalities in the juvenile justice system (and the criminal justice system as a whole) are undeniable and deeply woven into the system. The article mentioned increasing the number of judges who are of ethnic minorities and other such changes on the juvenile and criminal justice ends. Those changes are definitely needed. However, I think it's important to remember that this exists not only within the justice system, but across many other systems as well. People of color and ethnic minorities face disadvantages in the socioeconomic system, the education system, etc. These challenges and disadvantages all impact each other and are rooted in a lack of understanding and ability to see the dignity and worth of all people, regardless of differences. I don't know that I really have an answer for how to deal with the issues, but maybe it starts with developing a sense of community, understanding, and ability to embrace differences rather than fear them.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading this article and getting the different perspectives on the unfair system that we have. It is overwhelming to me begin to think about ways to deal with the issues though, because it is hard to address years and years of racism that are so woven into society. I think a good point is that there is racism that lies within our police departments as well, and this is the first contact citizens have with the justice system. Education and training is certainly the first step.
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