Jeffrey Reiman - “Conclusion” From the Rich Get Richer, the Poor Get Prison 1979,

“Those who use force to protect an unjust social order are no different from criminals,” Jeffrey Reiman wrote in his book. (p.194). Coercion is a tool used by criminals to impose their unjust orders and laws, such as extortionists or robbers. Similar to this, the legal system in the United States employs force but maintains that it is legitimate because it serves to defend the public and private property. While the justice system frequently attempts to protect individuals’ autonomy against those imposing their will through force, this is frequently not the case. The true definition of criminality is compelling people to act in another person’s best interests. A common robber, for instance, has shared characteristics with the police, although, at opposite sides of the law, both use force to make people hand over their valuables. The morality of coercion lies entirely on the equal treatment of the people. Does its purpose promote the interest of the rich at the expense of the poor and vulnerable people in the society? A functioning criminal system should aim to protect the society equally so as to achieve justice. Therefore, a system for criminal justice is only considered fair if the rich who violate the laws or endanger the lives of other citizens are punished.

According to Reiman’s (p.195) “the criminal justice system is criminal to the extent that it is not a system of justice. Justice reforms usually call for a more effective criminal justice system. However, the justice system has a tendency to impose penalties on the poor threatening the society but fails in the duty of protecting the citizens against threats to our lives and possessions. A criminal system can only be considered just to the extent that it protects equally the interests and rights of all while punishing all equally. However, the United States system of criminal justice minimizes the threats from poverty and occupational hazards but heightens the threat of street crime. The system portrays that the poor are likely to be arrested, charged and convicted while the rich are only charged with civil offenses which incur penalties. The problem with the justice system is that is the main focus is based on the fulfillment of individual obligations rather than the society fulfilling its obligations.

Jeffrey Reiman argues that the system of criminal justice system is criminal on the grounds that it fails to equally protect the rights and interests of all citizens’ hence ceases to be just. The tactics employed by the justice system violates the rights and interest of minority citizens with biased use of coercive power. The police and the courts enforce their power by use of coercion causing the system to be corrupt and criminal but nobody has the authority to regulate the criminal system itself. Reiman’s argument is founded on the criminal justice system violating its own justification for moral ideas while failing to protect all citizens equally and with fairness. He expounds that the crime should fit the harm inflicted and punishment the crime. The justice system should consider all criminal acts in proportion to the actual harm caused without respecting any financial classes.

Reiman’s proposal for justice is unlikely to be accepted because some of his suggestions are considered daring and hard to implement. For instance, there are difficulties associated with corporations identifying the persons responsible for certain crimes in advance. Also, punishing the wealthy is difficult since the rich only commit civil law violations which are only penalties. In addition, the possibility of decriminalizing prostitution or gambling is indeterminate. Legalizing the sale of illicit drugs contradicts morality itself and might not solve the problem at hand. Yet, Reiman does realize that his decriminalization plans must draw the line when it comes to legalizing extremely addictive and harmful drugs. Reiman’s proposes some reforms aimed at improving the effectiveness or fairness of the American criminal justice system. The necessary conditions for establishing the morality of criminality are a matter of rehabilitating the system not reforming it.

Reiman proposes several solutions that reduce crime, which include early childhood interventions for drug treatment and other programs. Protecting people from crimes and alleviating the poverty that breeds these crimes. Defending people from danger through the enforcement of the law against rich people and serve the interests of the powerfulness. It is also essential to provide quality education to all the children and conduct correctional programs for ex-offenders, therefore, preparing them for the outside world. Eradicating gun on the streets by use of strict control laws would reduce conflicts occasionally. Promote justice by reducing the discrimination of criminals, in addition to requesting for the accountability during political decisions.

I do agree with Rieman’s view of justice which promotes the creation of a system that holds persons guilty of the injustice of breaking the law while defending any unjust social order. Therefore, it is essential that a just system establishes an equal distribution of wealth and income for both rich and poor. Criminal justice system often benefits the powerful in society. Historically, the law has been seen to bias poor backgrounds, particularly those from Black minority ethnic groups. Despite this those from a more affluent background are treated leniently as their crimes can cause more damage to persons, resulting in greater cost both financially and environmentally.

References

Reiman, J. H., & Leighton, P. (2010). The rich get richer and the poor get prison: Ideology, class, and criminal justice. Boston, Mass: Allyn & Bacon