___ March 2013
Predicting the future may seem farfetched, but in this case, we can risk it. In a general sense, I have a strong vision that the criminal justice system of the United States will be a pragmatic and proactive one by the time 2033 strikes. I envision a criminal justice system that espouses positive values and can adeptly handle problems through creative, forward-looking and sustainable solutions. Around this time, our criminal justice system will have already learned from the error of its ways and will do its best to keep Americans safe and protected.
In 2033, I see an empowered criminal justice that upholds basic human rights doctrines, wherein everyone has the right to due process, has the right to be rehabilitated and redeemed as befits their crime, the right to equal protection as mandated by law and is free from unnecessary confinement. To illustrate properly the vision I have for the US criminal justice system 20 years from now, we shall look into three important areas of concern – correction centers, law enforcement agents, and regulations.
Correction Centers
The United States shows great concern for the incarcerated population. I am therefore of the opinion that correction centers will live up to their true functions: to correct the wrongdoings of the incarcerated person. More often than not, correction centers are perceived as dumping grounds of society’s “outcasts.” Despite their past deeds, however, the criminal justice system of the United States gives prisoners what is due them as human beings, regardless of their past. They are not treated any differently from other human beings who are not convicted of any crime. In cases of poor health, for instance, prisoners are afforded the same treatment and level of care as non-prisoners. The incarcerated population in the US approximately has 4-6% of reported cases of tuberculosis. The US Government exerted effort to control and prevent the onslaught of tuberculosis in correctional facilities. Local and state health centers worked hand in hand to make this happen (Centers for Disease and Control “TB in Correctional”).
Through this example, I can envision correction centers geared towards bringing back the lost humanity of imprisoned inviduals 20 years from now. I also see correctional facilities that competently provide basic services, including health services, to prisoners well until their respective terms end.
Law Enforcement Agents
In 20 years, there is a big possibility that the United States law enforcement agents can become individuals we can be proud of, who can administer the justice each individual deserves. According to Alan Jenkins:
Americans are more aware of, and concerned about, racially disparate treatment in the criminal justice system than they are of bias in any other sector (Mauer and Epstein 15).
In 2033, among the things to be taken into consideration is that the higher the position is, the bigger the punishments or the heavier the disciplinary actions are. A judge who discriminates, for instance, will be sanctioned twice as hard as a policeman. The manner of discrimination would also be considered. During this time, laws governing the criminal justice system are more mature than individuals implementing the system.
Regulations
American society has a taste for revenge on people who live their prison cells, so says Glen Martin. In 2012, there were around 700,000 people who were due to be released from incarceration. As they attempted to return to mainstream society and lead back normal lives, the US government made sure that they were regulated by a bunch of policies – policies which unbeknown to us may have ruined their chances of rebuilding their lives or functioning better in society (Mauer and Epstein 48-9).
I do believe that 20 years from now, this will still be the case but to a lesser extent. There is actually progress as far as regulation is concerned. There are individuals who got back the pieces of their lives together after incarceration. However, it will take some time for social stigma to wear off. Many people are still distrustful of ex-convicts as they fear that they might repeat their crimes following incarceration. Many such cases happened in the past so 20 years may be too short a time to really get over the fear of ex-convicts. In 20 years’ time, though, I am positive that such fears may be diluted and that ex-convicts who prove their sincerity to change after release will be provided more opportunities and be subjected to more open-minded regulation.
Works Cited
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “TB in Correctional Facilities in the United States.” CDC.gov. CDC, 2010. Web. 16 March 2013.
Mauer, Mark and Kate Epstein (Editors). To Build a Better Criminal Justice System: 25 Experts Envision the Next 25 Years of Reform. Washington, DC: The Sentencing Project, 2012. Print
