Criminal Justice Reform: Issues and Obstacles

Criminal Justice Reform: Issues and Obstacles Sarah Belyeu Support for punitive justice has a long-standing history in the US. From the post Civil War “prison boom,” to the “Tough on Crime” policies of the 1980s and 1990s, punitive measures often contribute to the social inequities they are rooted in. While attitudes are slow to change, […]
Common Stigmas In The Criminal Justice System

Today, I would like to address some common stigmas (or stereotypes) against convicted individuals, at least in the United States. There are several labels which are placed upon a person as soon as they plea or are found guilty. These stigmas exist primarily to separate those who commit crime and those who follow the law, […]
COVID-19 Outbreak at Fort Dix Federal Prison

People, both inmates and staff, have been getting sick for weeks at Fort Dix, the largest Federal Prison in the country, located in New Jersey. However, administration and medical personnel have been avoiding the issue, likely in efforts to not admit to another COVID-19 outbreak, the last of which left several inmates dead in this […]
Solitary Confinement

One of the most tortuous parts of the US criminal justice system is Solitary Confinement. This form of discipline is actually considered a barbaric form of torture by the United Nations. Very few counties in the developed world still use this as a form of discipline. Many correctional institutions refer to solitary confinement simply as […]
New Years 2022

As we usher in another new year for 2022, our thoughts often turn to the past to consider how we have changed (or may want to change), as well as to the future, to identify opportunities to make a difference in our own lives and others. This year is no different for me. Years ago, […]