Criminal Justice System In Matthew Desmond's Evicted

The United States has more people in prison than any other country in the world and incarcerates people at a higher rate than ever before, yet the crime rate is not higher in the US than in other countries. The criminal justice system in the United States has a long history of disproportionately targeting minority individuals. It is important to understand that this system isn’t just broken and in need of repair but was designed by individuals in power to suppress and maintain dominance over minorities. The effects of this design can be observed through both empirical and anecdotal evidence, especially in Milwaukee, which is said to be one of the most segregated cities in the United States. Many of the characters in Matthew Desmond’s book Evicted, are either victims of this design or have observed it in action in their own

While the novel focuses on the struggle of inner city inhabitants to afford their basic necessities, namely housing, the impact the criminal justice system plays in this struggle must also be examined to understand more completely the depth of their strife. By creating a criminal justice system that disproportionately targets people of color by way of mass incarceration, a cycle of poverty in communities of color is enforced. Because being incarcerated makes gaining employment and being an effective member of society significantly more challenging, it becomes exceedingly difficult for people to escape the cycle of poverty. While the effects of the criminal justice system are not solely responsible for the inescapable nature of poverty, it surely plays an important role. Furthermore, by targeting minority communities, an increase distrust between law enforcement and these communities is fostered and community members look elsewhere for