Introduction
The fate of prosecution should sound alarming because the prosecution’s role is crucial in that justice and security could be promoted in society. In this essay, four main points will be in the spotlight that four experts of the video introduced. In addition, my commentary on each point will be attached. Ultimately, I will develop arguments partly based on analyzing the others’ discussions.
Professor Paul Butler:
Decarceration following COVID-19 Professor Butler emphasized the decarceration efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is believed that approximately 16,000 people were released from you. However, he observed that these reductions in incarceration rates still need to be associated with the increased crime rate. At this point, Butler added that there had been arrests of low-grade cases (misdemeanors) by police as well, which could suggest that the police had partly focused on public safety more than on punitive measures. Furthermore, he highlighted that individuals, beyond ethnic lines ages, shaped coalitions, bringing the quest for justice, racial justice, and police reforms.
Personal Opinion:
I agree entirely with Professor Butler, who highlighted the revitalization of de-escalation steps during the pandemic. The clearance of the fact that the crime rates did not happen as the deprivation in incarceration did not increase means that the alternatives to incarceration can work in open public safety. In the same way, the fact that people from various subgroups have come together in a quest for racial justice reveals a manifestation of the national awakening of the deep-seated problems within the judicial system.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Stephanie Morales:
Humanization of the Justice System: Prosecuting Attorney Morales highlighted the need to make the justice system humane. It is necessary to view the people behind the offenders and acknowledge that they also deserve the same justice(John Jay,2020). That specific person shared the compound work of the prosecutors and public defenders who propagated the release from custody of people who did not participate in violence during the pandemic. Morales stressed that the judiciary administration has to consider community issues, treat defendants as community members rather than judges, and come to a decision based solely on justice and fairness.
Personal Opinion:
I must fully agree with Attorney Morales’ stress on humanizing the justice system. Balanced treatment of the defendants where, in addition to their rights, the principle of dignity is embraced is the basis for creating trust and impartiality in the fantasy of the system. As done throughout the pandemic, collaborative work between prosecutors and public defense systems shows what is possible if the prosecutor makes the main concern the benefit of their community over a punitive process.
District Attorney Chesa Boudin:
Reducing crime at the root cause and switching to data-driven policies District Attorney Boudin emphasized the necessity of getting at the cause of crime and introducing data-driven policies to effect the reduction in incarceration rates. In the case of the incarceration of his parents, Boudin has resorted to the use of these actions to show what alternative practices are there.
Such initiatives included a call for financial investments into social services and a request for easily accessible community-based approaches that could tackle factors contributing to criminality.
Personal Opinion:
I favor District Attorney Boudin’s goal to disrupt the primary factors that trigger crime cases and attach such cures to prevention. Instead of spending on prisons and other means of law and order, we should invest in the provision of social services and operations targeting the effect of systemic inequalities and vulnerable groups. Poitier stresses the use of policies supported by serious data aimed at results and efficiency in harmony with evidence-based methods of correctional reform.
State’s Attorney Sarah Fair George:
On how she is offsetting and changing the criminal justice system in Chittenden County’s area within Vermont, George showed the Attorney’s determination in the fight against the opiate crisis(John Jay,2020). She pointed out that strengthening overall public safety is indeed an essential aspect and that addressing addiction and substance abuse should be their top priority. George highlighted how implementing creative approaches assigned to prosecutors may include diversion programs and rehabilitation among the many fields.
Personal Opinion:
I concur with Mr. George’s point that the opiate crisis can be solved by using a variety of public health preventive measures together with intervention programs like rehabilitation measures. Prosecutors, who are responsible for the implementation of programs and policies that improve the well-being of the community as a whole, come into play; their actions are aimed at the regulation of substance abuse problems.
Law enforcement and social services working on collaboration could be conducted by prosecution towards change in the justice system. Experiences of formerly incarcerated individuals provide a vital perspective for addressing the need for implementing justice principles of fairness, compassion, and scientific grounds in criminal justice programs. Attention to team cooperation and systemic matters is also necessary in order to achieve a fairer and more reasonable legal system.
Reference
IIP John Jay. (2020, April 16). The Future of Prosecution. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3WP0QcrgzE