The criminal justice system failed the five teenagers in the Central Park jogger’s case. Race and class were both involved. The criminal justice system did not protect the teenagers, but rather the rape victim. The teenagers were wrongfully convicted of a crime, they did not commit. The police interrogated the teenagers for hours, in doing so violated their 5th Amendment rights, which states individuals do not have to be a witness against themselves. The police department coerced the teenagers into providing statements, lying about each other. They were never read their Miranda rights and, no attorney or parents were present during their interviews.
