Inequalities within the 'Criminal JUSTICE System/Process'

... Issues: Inequality in the underlying ideology Inequality in the definition of 'the crime problem' Inequality in practice in the CJS Policy...Addressing inequality? Ideological underpinnings: Talk about JUSTICE. In any society, actions taken in the name of the nation state need to be seen as 'just' in order to preserve legitimacy. When they are not seen as just then we get discontent and then often challenges to the authority of the state. We could argue that in simple terms, society is held together in part, by a type of social contract whereby individuals agree to abide by state law in return for the protection of the state. In order for this to work however, the majority of people would need to believe both that the law is generally beneficial to them, and that the administration of the law is fair and just. The presence of inequality in this process would suggest that some have a more fair and just experience

want to read more? →