Is the American Justice System fair? This question has caused many controversies amongst Americans. Every year, stories emerge that serve as a reminder that the American Justice system, means injustice for many. The real question is who is sent to prison and who walks free? A question that many would like to believe is properly answered by judges, jurors, and attorneys. But unfortunately, that is not the case. I will be elaborating on a specific case that will emphasize on how our justice system can truly be biased. The criminal justice system is comprised of three major institutions which process a case from inception, through trial, to punishment. A case begins with law enforcement officials, who investigate a crime and gather the evidence to identify and use against the presumed perpetrator. The case continues with the court system, which weighs the evidence to determine if the defendant is guilty beyond reasonable doubt. If so the corrections system comes into play with incarceration or probation. In addition, this brings me to Kalief Browder. Many might not know this name, but the ones that do know the horrific story that follows. In the spring of 2010, Browder an African American teenager was arrested for a robbery that he insisted he did not commit. He was sent to Riker’s Island where he …show more content…
According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the majority of those being held in federal prisons are convicted of drug offenses mainly marijuana. 1 out of every one 100 Americans are serving time behind bars. Minor criminals, from drug users to petty thieves, are being handed over to corporations for lengthy prison sentences which do nothing to protect society or prevent recidivism. This is the culmination of a justice system which has characterized the United States as a justice system based upon increasing the power and wealth of a corrupt corporation instead of it being a justice system for the