How did we develop a society where people are locked away for
long periods of time, often for non-violent offenses related to
drug addiction? Where torture and institutionalized rape is
accepted? Where punishment, rather than restoration, is the
norm? Where good legal representation is unaffordable for most?
Is this what justice looks like to you? Or can we do better? Can
we treat fellow humans with respect and dignity, and create a
more fair justice system that protects each and every
individual’s rights? Danger: Retributive Justice and
Incarceration What’s wrong with the current system? - The US has
the highest incarceration rate in the world. - People of color
are disproportionately incarcerated. As of 2007, black males
were 6 times more likely to be incarcerated than white males,
and Hispanic males were a little more than 2 times more likely.
- Roughly 34% of all prisoners in the US are incarcerated for
victimless crimes. Many of these crimes are drug-related. - The
private prison industry is growing whic