Remain and Leighton argue that the criminal justice system has a class bias and is “designed to fail”. Explain the authors argument ands evidence from Robert Hillary king and Matt tabby to support this argument.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Title: The Class Bias in the Criminal Justice System: Designed to Fail
Introduction:
The criminal justice system is a cornerstone of any society, tasked with maintaining law and order. However, scholars like Remain and Leighton argue that this system is plagued by a class bias, rendering it inherently flawed and “designed to fail.” In this essay, we will explore their argument and examine the evidence provided by Robert Hillary King and Matt Tabbi to support this claim.
Thesis Statement:
The criminal justice system in many countries exhibits a class bias, resulting in a failure to provide equal treatment under the law for all citizens.
Body:
Explanation of the Argument:
Remain and Leighton assert that the criminal justice system is systematically biased against individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. They argue that this bias manifests in several ways, such as unequal access to legal representation, harsher sentencing for marginalized communities, and the perpetuation of social inequalities.
Unequal Access to Legal Representation:
One crucial aspect of the class bias in the criminal justice system is the unequal access to legal representation. Individuals from wealthier backgrounds can afford high-quality lawyers, increasing their chances of receiving a favorable outcome. Conversely, those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds often rely on underfunded public defenders who may be overworked and lack resources. This disparity results in an uneven playing field where the wealthy have a higher chance of evading punishment.
Harsher Sentencing for Marginalized Communities:
Remain and Leighton argue that marginalized communities, primarily consisting of individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, face disproportionately harsher sentences compared to their wealthier counterparts. Studies have shown that individuals from minority communities are more likely to receive longer prison terms for similar offenses. This disparity highlights the systemic bias against people who lack socioeconomic advantages.
Perpetuation of Social Inequalities:
The authors contend that the criminal justice system perpetuates social inequalities by disproportionately targeting and punishing individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. This perpetuation occurs through practices such as racial profiling, biased policing, and discriminatory sentencing. Consequently, an individual’s socioeconomic status becomes a determining factor in their interaction with the criminal justice system, further exacerbating existing inequalities.
Evidence from Robert Hillary King:
Robert Hillary King’s personal experience corroborates Remain and Leighton’s argument. As a former member of the Black Panther Party and an inmate at Angola Prison, King witnessed firsthand how the criminal justice system disproportionately targeted impoverished communities. He spent nearly 30 years in solitary confinement for a crime he did not commit, reflecting the failures of a system that prioritizes punishment over justice.
Evidence from Matt Tabbi:
Matt Tabbi’s investigative journalism sheds light on various injustices within the criminal justice system. In his work, Tabbi exposes systemic corruption, exploitative practices within private prisons, and the direct impact these issues have on marginalized communities. His research supports Remain and Leighton’s claim that the criminal justice system is designed to fail those who lack socioeconomic advantages.
Conclusion:
Remain and Leighton argue convincingly that the criminal justice system exhibits a class bias, leading to its inherent failure. Unequal access to legal representation, harsher sentencing for marginalized communities, and the perpetuation of social inequalities all contribute to this systemic issue. The experiences of Robert Hillary King and the research by Matt Tabbi provide compelling evidence to support this argument. Addressing this class bias is crucial for creating a fair and just society where all citizens receive equal treatment under the law.
