The Criminal Justice System: Time for a Reset
When we talk about criminal justice in America, we’re talking about more than courtrooms and prison cells — we’re talking about people, families, communities, and futures. At its best, the justice system should protect the innocent, rehabilitate those who stray, and create a safer society for everyone. But far too often, it does the opposite.
Many of the same communities that lack access to quality education, good-paying jobs, and healthcare also experience the highest rates of arrests, convictions, and incarceration. Young Black and Brown men, in particular, are often overpoliced, overcharged, and underserved when it comes to legal representation. Some are wrongfully accused. Others plead guilty just to avoid the risk of longer sentences — even when they’re innocent.
And even when someone can post bond — a right guaranteed by the courts — they’re often forced to sit in jail for hours, sometimes days, waiting for the system to process their release. It’s one thing to grant bail; it’s another thing entirely to delay someone’s freedom due to paperwork, inefficiency, or lack of urgency. Each hour spent in jail after bond has been posted is a violation of that person’s liberty — and a harsh reminder that the system doesn’t always work for the people it’s supposed to serve.
I once investigated a case that should have clearly been ruled as self-defense — but it wasn’t. A young man was asked by his sister to go with her to return belongings to her then-boyfriend. His wife and infant child were also in the vehicle. They went simply to drop off items, not to create conflict. But when they arrived, the boyfriend became aggressive. Despite the young man’s wife trying to calm the situation, the boyfriend pulled out a gun. Fearing for the safety of his wife and child, the client jumped out of the vehicle and wrestled the gun away. In the struggle, the boyfriend was shot and died.
It was a tragic outcome, but also a clear case of self-defense. Still, instead of being treated as a protector, the client was treated as a suspect. Why? Because of where it happened. Because of assumptions. Because in some ZIP codes, self-defense is acknowledged — and in others, it’s criminalized.
This is why reform matters.
We need a justice system that treats all people equally — regardless of race, income, or location. We must hold law enforcement and prosecutors accountable. We must push for policies that don’t just claim to deliver justice but actually do.
People should demand change. Not next year. Not someday. Now.
Speak up at city council meetings. Vote for officials who stand for reform. Support organizations fighting for equal justice. Tell your stories. Use your voice.
Because justice delayed, or denied, affects us all.
Too inspire, inform, encourage and empower others…..
Marvin Dixon/Founder
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