Justice is an important concept in our society and when systems are not universalized they do cause problems and break social norms and contracts of fair treatment. As a nation we need to ensure that institutions function at their highest level possible and do so within the confines of our social contracts and values systems. Trust comes from consistently doing the right thing and when that doesn't happen it creates lower trust. Responsible authorities always look toward improvement where failures are repeated.
Let us explore an example of universal versus a bias system...
First let us say that the science does indicate that some bias often exists but the extent is in debate. Politics has become more important than our central value systems as a people so we see practical matters turn into political matters that creates chaos for others. We see that in our nation now with hyper politics lacking the ability to solve important societal problems and incorrectly framing behaviors.
One study indicates no or little bias occurs. Another study says that Implicit Bias does exist. They are meant to provide two perspectives.
1.Race, class, and criminal adjudication: Is the US criminal justice system as biased as is often assumed? A meta-analytic review
An example and two outcomes.
Hypothetical Example: A minority family was targeted through a hate narrative and that was intentionally spread widely as possible to create as much harm and destruction as they could; i.e. the hate narrative. The goal was to force this family out of the area, enrich off of them, create disparities based on their racial or religious beliefs. Perpetrators were associated with a number of officers and utilized their position to tap into a corrupted network (i.e. police gang) who shared similar distorted beliefs (Bad officers impact their profession through lower recruitment and make it much harder for good officers to do their jobs. Wise people support integrity for the entire institution.) Each time this hate clan saw the victims they stalked them, violated their rights, attempted assault them and much more with plenty of witnesses. Others came forward with similar complaints and the local system ignored them and retaliated swiftly. Hate crimes against such minorities have risen and they typically go unreported or uncorrected depending who is the target and who is the perpetrator. Much is dependent on social networks and perceptions of value.
(This article is for illustrative purposes only and should be seen as theoretical dribble.)
The difference between a biased and universal system.....
Biased system: No matter how bad things get, how overwhelming the evidence, how many witnesses, or how destructive the perpetrators, the local justice system exonerates and protects such behaviors. Corruption through lack of checks and balances. The use of the word immunity is common and political discussions provided protections for illegal behaviors. Local extremists networks have mocked minorities and human rights. The system failed to correct and there are no recourse because the bigger purpose has been supplanted for ulterior purposes.
1. If you were a minority (Muslim, Jew, Catholic, White, Black, etc.) and you are aware that these systems seriously violated our laws and continue to do so to others with immunity would you trust them in the future?
2. Should we expect these behaviors to continue based on patterned behaviors?
Universal System: There was a reasonable attempt to correct the problem at its root and do its best to protect the rights of others. It makes no difference the racial, religious, or legally acceptable differences in human life as the system respects the Constitution in terms of how these differences should be seen. The system corrected the wrong and trained officers on how to be effective and fair in their activities because they have a deep commitment to serving the public.
1. If you were a minority (Muslim, Jew, Catholic, White, Black, etc.) and you were aware these behaviors occurred, and the system corrected the situation, would you trust them in the future?
2. Should we expect these behaviors to continue based on patterned behaviors?
Its an important discussion because where systems move into third world and clan orientation they also begin to erode the social fabric. Those who protect that social fabric are the types who encourage law enforcement and public stakeholders to work together to find solutions. Those who are destructive by nature protect poor behaviors and fail to correct them when they take on characteristics that are not helpful for the nation. I always advocate for improving all systems to their highest state of development. That requires commitment to that which we all believe.
What kind of system do you want to see? Which do you think is best for communities or the nation?
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