Introduction
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are critical components of modern society. The goal of this piece is to describe my thoughts on the DEI film Just Mercy and to assess my own experiences with public health and social justice concerns. In this paper, I will discuss the film and my experience, relate it to public health and social justice concerns, and provide recommendations for addressing the issues identified at the societal or policy level.
Film Description
Just Mercy is an inspirational film that follows Bryan Stevenson, a civil rights attorney who fights for justice and equity in the criminal justice system. Stevenson’s constant love and attention to his clients are extraordinary, especially given the judicial system’s structural prejudices and injustices. His work sheds attention on the pervasive problems of racism and classism in the criminal justice system, as well as the enormous impact these issues have on the lives of people impacted.
Issues of Social Justice Presented in the Film
I was struck by Stevenson’s enthusiasm and devotion to his clients despite the inherent prejudices throughout the criminal justice system. The film called into question my assumptions about the court system’s impartiality and shed light on how race and class might influence legal outcomes. I was struck by one incident in particular, in which a young black guy called Walter McMillian was condemned to death for a crime he did not commit. The judge in the case was found to be prejudiced towards McMillian, and the evidence used to convict him was shaky. This scenario highlighted the way systematic racism can impact the outcomes of judicial proceedings, as well as the importance of individuals like Stevenson fighting for justice in such situations.
Addressing the Mentioned Issues
Funding for Public Defenders
A variety of proposals may be made at the social or policy level to address the concerns of systemic racism and bias in the criminal justice system. One suggestion is to increase funding for public defenders, who are frequently overburdened and underpaid. This ensures that all individuals, regardless of their financial situation, have access to professional legal representation. Furthermore, there should be greater monitoring and accountability within the criminal justice system to ensure that people are treated fairly and justly.
Police Training
Another significant idea is to expand police training to include courses on unconscious bias awareness, cultural awareness, and de-escalation methods. Police personnel can better help and safeguard the community by improving their capacity to recognize and confront their own prejudices. This can also help prevent excessive use of force and unnecessary injury to persons.
Policy Reforms
In addition, criminal justice policies should be reviewed to ensure they do not disproportionately affect underprivileged populations. Minimum sentence requirements and three-strikes legislation, for example, can disproportionately harm persons of color, resulting in mass imprisonment and sustaining systemic racism in the criminal justice system. Instead of relying on punishment and vengeance, policymakers should explore alternative sentencing approaches that prioritize rehabilitation and social reintegration.
Conclusion
In conclusion, my experience watching Just Mercy has broadened my understanding of the connection between public health and social justice. The video emphasized how systemic racism may influence judicial outcomes and how crucial it is to have people like Bryan Stevenson working for justice within the system. To remedy these challenges, the criminal justice system needs greater transparency and monitoring, as well as additional funding for public defenders to ensure that all persons have access to adequate legal representation.
Reference
Pamukcu, A., & Harris, A. P. (2021). Health justice and the criminal legal system: From reform to transformation. Bill of Health.