JUSTICE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
JUSTICE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
"Justice Reformed: Partnering for Equity in Probation and Parole"
The “We The Revolt Justice Partnership Program” is a comprehensive initiative aimed at addressing systemic biases within the criminal justice system, particularly those impacting probation and parole. This initiative recognizes the historical marginalization and disproportionate incarceration rates in communities of color, exacerbated by practices such as racial profiling and unfair sentencing.

#FACTS
THINGS TO KNOW
1. MASSIVE INCREASE IN PROBATION AND PAROLE SUPERVISION:
From 1980 to 2020, the number of people on probation in the United States nearly tripled, while those under parole supervision nearly quadrupled. This growth reflects the extensive reach of the criminal justice system beyond prison walls, affecting millions more in the community .
2. DRUG OFFENSE SENTENCING AND ITS IMPACT:
The war on drugs, particularly policies like mandatory minimums for drug offenses, has significantly contributed to mass incarceration. This is evident in federal prison statistics, where roughly half of those incarcerated have been convicted of drug offenses. The enactment of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act in 1986 led to disparities in sentencing, especially affecting Black individuals. Efforts like the 2010 Fair Sentencing Act and the 2019 First Step Act have been made to mitigate these issues, but the impact of these drug policies continues to resonate .
3. RACIAL AND ETHNIC DISPARITIES IN INCARCERATION:
Stark disparities persist in the U.S. criminal justice system. Black men are six times as likely to be incarcerated as white men, and Latinx men are 2.5 times as likely. For every 81 Black adults in the U.S., one is serving time in state prison. This disproportionality is a significant concern, highlighting systemic racial biases within the system .
4. OVERLOOKED ROLE OF JAILS IN MASS INCARCERATION:
Jails, often overshadowed by prisons in discussions on incarceration, play a critical role as the initial point of confinement for many. A majority of individuals in jails are awaiting trial, often because they can’t afford bail. This has led to a significant increase in pre-trial detentions over the years. The churn of individuals through jails is enormous, with millions entering each year, many of whom are dealing with poverty, mental illness, or substance use disorders .
1. The Sentencing Project. (2022). Mass Incarceration Trends. Retrieved from www.sentencingproject.org 2. USAFacts. (2024). 2024 Current State of the Union: US Crime, Police, and Prisons. Retrieved from usafacts.org 3. Prison Policy Initiative. (2023). Mass Incarceration: The Whole Pie 2023. Retrieved from www.prisonpolicy.org
HISTORICAL CONTEXT AND IMPORTANCE
The justice system has historically marginalized certain demographics, particularly communities of color, through unfair practices and systemic biases. Reforming sentencing practices, such as reducing mandatory minimums and increasing judicial discretion, is not merely a legal issue but also a deeply rooted social justice concern. These reforms are essential to alleviate the disproportionate impact on minority communities and address the long-standing racial disparities in incarceration.
IMPLEMENTATION AND IMPACT:
The implementation of this program requires a multifaceted approach, combining legal expertise, community involvement, and persistent advocacy. The success of this program lies not only in changing laws but also in transforming the lived experiences of those unjustly affected by the current system. A victory in this context would mean a tangible shift towards a more equitable and just criminal justice system, one that upholds the principles of fairness and rehabilitation over punishment.
For the “We The Revolt Justice Partnership Program” to successfully address systemic biases in probation and parole, several key laws and policies might need to be addressed:
- Sentencing Reform Legislation: This would involve modifying laws that dictate mandatory minimum sentences and enhancing judicial discretion in sentencing decisions.
- Probation and Parole System Laws: Legislation governing probation and parole systems may need reforms to incorporate more restorative justice principles.
- Racial Justice Acts: Similar to California’s Racial Justice Act for All, introducing or amending legislation to address racial biases and disparities in the criminal justice system would be key.
These legal reforms are crucial for ensuring fairer treatment within the justice system and reducing recidivism rates among probationers and parolees.
RESOURCES:
- Alexander, M. (2010). The new Jim Crow: Mass incarceration in the age of colorblindness. The New Press.
- Clear, T. R., & Frost, N. A. (2014). The punishment imperative: The rise and failure of mass incarceration in America. NYU Press.
- Davis, A. Y. (2003). Are prisons obsolete? Seven Stories Press.
- Petersilia, J. (2003). When prisoners come home: Parole and prisoner reentry. Oxford University Press.
- Travis, J., Western, B., & Redburn, S. (Eds.). (2014). The growth of incarceration in the United States: Exploring causes and consequences. National Academies Press.
- Wakefield, S., & Uggen, C. (2010). Incarceration and stratification. Annual Review of Sociology, 36, 387-406.
- Western, B. (2006). Punishment and inequality in America. Russell Sage Foundation.
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