Overrepresentation Of Indigenous People Essay

1076 Words5 Pages

The overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples in the Canadian criminal justice system is a deeply concerning issue that has garnered significant attention from academics, policymakers, and the wider public. The notion that Indigenous peoples account for more than 30% of the federal prison population, despite comprising just 5% of the Canadian population, highlights the extent to which they are disproportionately impacted by the legal system. The overrepresent of indigenous peoples in the justice system in Canada needs to be addressed through a review of the fairness, equity and effectiveness of the legislation that is currently in force, due to its lasting impacts on indigenous communities. Through examining the failures of Canada's …show more content…

Indigenous people are more likely to be arrested and charged with offences, and once in the criminal justice system, they face harsher sentencing outcomes than non-Indigenous people for similar crimes. Racial profiling is another serious issue that affects Indigenous people in the criminal justice system. This occurs when law enforcement officers target individuals based on their perceived race or ethnicity, rather than on evidence of criminal activity. Racial profiling can result in unjustified arrests and charges and can contribute to the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system. The use of excessive force by police is also a major concern. Indigenous people are more likely to experience police brutality and violence, which can result in serious injuries or even death. This is often a result of systemic biases and prejudices that lead to police officers treating Indigenous people differently than non-Indigenous people. The use of excessive force by police in turn contributes to the overrepresentation in the criminal justice system due to the increased likelihood to be charged with offences related to resisting arrest or assaulting a police