Within the spectrum of today’s society, there are vast inequalities existing throughout various groups, religions, and cultures. It is essential to take time to analyze issues within the Canadian Correctional system, which enable society to move away from the concept of social justice. The ideology behind the concept of social justice, is one of great complexity; however, there are numerous avenues in which social justice can be defined. One of those avenues defines social justice as the ethical distribution of social benefits, and burdens between individuals within society (North, 2006). Unfortunately, in many cases within the Canadian Correctional system, there are examples of how offenders have been exposed to exponential amounts of inequality.
…show more content…
On the surface, society appears to give individuals a foundation, in regards to protection, through equal access to liberties, rights, and opportunities, which includes taking care of vulnerable members of society (Personal Communication, A. Eyjolfson, n.d.). Offenders within the Canadian Correctional system, are the vulnerable members of society. These individuals are thrown through a system that inflicts immense punitive measures associated to a crime committed, rather than focusing on rehabilitating offenders to reduce recidivism. Furthermore, hindering their ability to become productive members of society (Personal Communication, A. Eyjolfson, n.d.). this provides the notion of moving further away from achieving social justice, as society allows for the dehumanization of offenders, which in many cases leads to death in custody. The Office of the Correctional Investigator (2016) states the leading cause of mortality in prisons is natural causes; however, there is little engagement in trying to understand the underlying causes of mortality that are not associated with natural causes. Furthermore, stating the Correctional Service of Canada’s accountability and responsiveness to deaths of individuals in custody is an issue that is becoming more and more prevalent, as it does not meet the standards of preventative …show more content…
Marginalization of individuals leads to an increased risk of relapsing, even if the offender is enrolled in rehabilitative programing (Drug Policy Alliance, 2009). The issue itself is the sanctions courts impose on those who battle with substance abuse. Even a short sentence can hinder one’s ability to prosper, thus falling into relapse (Drug Policy Alliance, 2009). From the social justice perspective, this moves us further away from achievement. This ideology the public has of offenders had vastly lead to these outcomes; therefore, individuals who are going through the justice system on continue to be exposed to vast inequalities, due to these policies and procedures. For individuals who suffer from addiction to receive beneficial help, sanctions for substance abuse should be removed all together, as incarceration will lead to further incarcerations for similar offences (Drug Policy Alliance, 2009). The implications of incarceration are immense for individuals. Societies can be beneficial to individuals, and they can be harmful as well; “Prison data has shown us that more unequal societies are more punitive.” (Wilkinson & Pickett, 2010, p. 150). The approach Canadian Corrections should implement is one of a more rehabilitative outlook, so there is equal opportunity for individuals to prosper. The more punitive in nature society gets, the more the philosophy of living in a just, equal world, are
On the surface, society appears to give individuals a foundation, in regards to protection, through equal access to liberties, rights, and opportunities, which includes taking care of vulnerable members of society (Personal Communication, A. Eyjolfson, n.d.). Offenders within the Canadian Correctional system, are the vulnerable members of society. These individuals are thrown through a system that inflicts immense punitive measures associated to a crime committed, rather than focusing on rehabilitating offenders to reduce recidivism. Furthermore, hindering their ability to become productive members of society (Personal Communication, A. Eyjolfson, n.d.). this provides the notion of moving further away from achieving social justice, as society allows for the dehumanization of offenders, which in many cases leads to death in custody. The Office of the Correctional Investigator (2016) states the leading cause of mortality in prisons is natural causes; however, there is little engagement in trying to understand the underlying causes of mortality that are not associated with natural causes. Furthermore, stating the Correctional Service of Canada’s accountability and responsiveness to deaths of individuals in custody is an issue that is becoming more and more prevalent, as it does not meet the standards of preventative …show more content…
Marginalization of individuals leads to an increased risk of relapsing, even if the offender is enrolled in rehabilitative programing (Drug Policy Alliance, 2009). The issue itself is the sanctions courts impose on those who battle with substance abuse. Even a short sentence can hinder one’s ability to prosper, thus falling into relapse (Drug Policy Alliance, 2009). From the social justice perspective, this moves us further away from achievement. This ideology the public has of offenders had vastly lead to these outcomes; therefore, individuals who are going through the justice system on continue to be exposed to vast inequalities, due to these policies and procedures. For individuals who suffer from addiction to receive beneficial help, sanctions for substance abuse should be removed all together, as incarceration will lead to further incarcerations for similar offences (Drug Policy Alliance, 2009). The implications of incarceration are immense for individuals. Societies can be beneficial to individuals, and they can be harmful as well; “Prison data has shown us that more unequal societies are more punitive.” (Wilkinson & Pickett, 2010, p. 150). The approach Canadian Corrections should implement is one of a more rehabilitative outlook, so there is equal opportunity for individuals to prosper. The more punitive in nature society gets, the more the philosophy of living in a just, equal world, are