Incarceration series includes female inmates but doesn’t tell full story
Incarceration series includes women inmates but doesn't tell full story ABA Journal
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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The following article discusses the documentary series “Justice, USA” and its portrayal of Tennessee’s criminal justice system. Throughout the article, emphasis will be placed on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their relevance to the issues presented in the series.
Introduction
The documentary series “Justice, USA” aimed to provide viewers with an insider’s view of Nashville’s criminal justice system. However, it fell short of delivering on its marketing promise. This report will analyze the pedagogical value of the series and highlight its shortcomings in addressing key aspects of the American criminal justice system.
Educational Value and SDGs
While “Justice, USA” does offer access to men’s, women’s, and juvenile jails, along with insights into the effects of incarceration, mental illness, and addiction, it fails to provide a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system. The series’ claim of a “360-degree” approach could have been instrumental in educating viewers about the complexities of the system. This aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education, which emphasizes the importance of inclusive and equitable education for all.
Limited Perspective
Without personal involvement in the criminal justice system, individuals are unaware of what happens behind closed doors and lack a clear view of its inner workings. This highlights the need for transparency and accountability within the system, aligning with SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
Permanence of Incarcerated Individuals’ Stories
The stories of incarcerated individuals persist even if they reform and turn their lives around. The internet and streaming services ensure that these stories remain accessible indefinitely. This raises questions about privacy, rehabilitation, and the long-term consequences of criminal records. These issues are relevant to SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, which aims to promote social, economic, and political inclusion for all individuals.
Detained Discrepancies and SDGs
The fourth episode of “Justice, USA,” titled “Women, Incarcerated,” sheds light on the alarming number of incarcerated women in the United States. This aligns with SDG 5: Gender Equality, which seeks to eliminate gender disparities and empower all women and girls.
Incarceration Statistics
According to the Prison Policy Initiative, there are currently 190,600 incarcerated women and girls in the United States. The rate of women’s incarceration has been increasing at twice the pace of their male counterparts in recent decades. This highlights the need to address gender-based discrepancies within the criminal justice system, supporting SDG 5.
Mortality Rates and Health Issues
Women in jails have a higher mortality rate than men, particularly due to drug and alcohol intoxication. They are also more likely to enter incarceration with preexisting medical or mental health issues. These disparities underscore the importance of SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
Different Crimes, Same Times
Women often face disproportionate charges and sentences compared to men within the criminal justice system. For example, Oklahoma’s child abuse and neglect statute punishes mothers for various omissions related to child neglect. This raises questions about fairness and equal treatment under the law, which are central to SDG 16.
Failure to Protect
The concept of “failure to protect” in child abuse and neglect cases can result in life sentences for women. Prosecutors have significant discretion in arguing specific actions or inactions, leading to inconsistent outcomes. This highlights the need for fair and just sentencing practices, aligning with SDG 16.
Case Examples
The case of Tondalao Hall exemplifies the disparities in sentencing. Hall received a 30-year prison sentence for failing to stop her boyfriend from abusing her child, while the boyfriend received only two years. This raises concerns about gender inequality within the criminal justice system, which is addressed by SDG 5.
Missed Opportunities and SDGs
Despite its potential, “Justice, USA” fails to address systemic miscarriages of justice and missed opportunities to educate a wide audience. The series could have shed light on the issues discussed above, contributing to SDG 16.
Importance of Public Awareness
Increased exposure to the problems within the criminal justice system can lead to positive change. By educating the public and fostering dialogue, progress can be made towards achieving SDG 16.
About the Author
Adam Banner
Adam R. Banner is the founder and lead attorney of the Oklahoma Legal Group, a criminal defense law firm in Oklahoma City. His practice focuses solely on state and federal criminal defense, including sex crimes, violent crimes, drug crimes, and white-collar crimes. His work aligns with SDG 16, as he advocates for fair and just legal representation.
Conclusion
The documentary series “Justice, USA” falls short of its promise to provide a comprehensive view of Nashville’s criminal justice system. By addressing the issues highlighted in this report and aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals, future documentaries and discussions can contribute to positive change within the criminal justice system.
This column reflects the opinions of the author and not necessarily the views of the ABA Journal—or the American Bar Association.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 5: Gender Equality
- Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere
- Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres
- Indicator: Women’s incarceration rates, mortality rates, and rates of preexisting medical and mental health issues
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SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome
- Indicator: Disproportionate charging and sentencing of women compared to men
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SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all
- Indicator: Discrepancies in sentencing and incarceration between mothers and fathers in child abuse and neglect cases
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere | Women’s incarceration rates, mortality rates, and rates of preexisting medical and mental health issues |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres | Women’s incarceration rates, mortality rates, and rates of preexisting medical and mental health issues |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome | Disproportionate charging and sentencing of women compared to men |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all | Discrepancies in sentencing and incarceration between mothers and fathers in child abuse and neglect cases |
Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The SDGs that are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article are SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets under the identified SDGs are:
– Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere
– Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres
– Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome
– Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article mentions or implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include:
– Women’s incarceration rates, mortality rates, and rates of preexisting medical and mental health issues: These indicators can measure progress towards Target 5.1 and Target 5.2 under SDG 5.
– Disproportionate charging and sentencing of women compared to men: This indicator can measure progress towards Target 10.3 under SDG 10.
– Discrepancies in sentencing and incarceration between mothers and fathers in child abuse and neglect cases: This indicator can measure progress towards Target 16.3 under SDG 16.
The article provides information on the astronomical number of incarcerated women in the United States, the higher mortality rate of women in jails, and the disproportionate charging and sentencing of women compared to men. It also highlights specific cases where mothers received longer sentences than fathers in child abuse and neglect cases. These indicators reflect the issues discussed in the article and can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: abajournal.com
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