Decreasing Drug Incaracertion

Abramson, Jeffery. “We the Jury: The Jury System and the Ideal of Democracy.” (1995). Courts and Law Review, Vol. 5, No. 3, pp. 111 – 115. This book evaluates historical court cases that have embodied and/or contradicted the democratic model of consensus which is supposed to be present during the deliberation process during the conclusive stages and steps. This book provides a myriad of proposals that advance the potential to eliminate the peremptory challenge and the honest use of jury nullification. Other aspects of the book include an evaluation and analysis on the recently mandated cross-section representation for juries, as well as scientific jury selection and the legitimization of state power through juries as well as a common justice above social divisions. This text provides an in depth look at the jury selection process, and the immense role it plays in the concept of justice.

JUSTICE SYSTEM

We must start examining the concept(s) of justice within the Judicial Branch of the three-part governance system which exists in America. In any country when there is a disconnect between the varying portions and factions of government is destined to occur, such a system cultivates a myriad of problems concerning the definition and basis of what justice becomes known as.

It’s time to analyze the governing body which is the justice system (the courts) and evaluate how it maintains or perpetuates a running precedent of justice as it pertains to the public.

  

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

JUDICIAL PROCESS

(Article #1) Abraham, Henry J. “The Judicial Process: An Introductory Analysis of The Courts of the United States , England and France .” (1995)Special Issue, Judicial Process Texts, Vol. 5, No. 5, No. 3, pp. 91 – 94. The theory, practice and people that comprise the judicial process is scrutinized and illuminated in this text. It specifically highlights the presidential appointment process as well as the significant differences between the American legal system and those within Great Britain , France and several other European countries, but primarily the court system within the United Kingdom . The text also concentrates on two concepts within the judicial process which are “judicial activism” and “judicial restraint.”

SOCIAL JUSTICE

What does social justice mean to me?

Social justice to me means exactly what it states, justice which is social. More specifically, in an environment such as the United States , it means equality and fair treatment for the overall society. Social justice consists of the words social and justice, which both carry loaded connotations with them. Social in this usage of the word literally means "of or pertaining to the life, welfare, and relations of human beings in a community:
social problems." (dictionary.com, 2008) Additionally, justice in this usage literally means "the quality of being just; righteousness, equitableness, or moral rightness: to uphold the justice of a cause." (dictionary.com, 2008)
When combining the two definitions as construed by me, social justice means righteousness, equitableness or moral rightness that pertains to the life, welfare, and relations of human beings in a community. That community for me is the United States of America , and becomes more specific the more localized the focus becomes. That righteousness and equality manifests itself through a myriad of ways, but most noticeably through social services and public policy. Thus, social justice to me means equality and fair treatment for all members of the community through public policy and social services that apply to the community.


How is it or isn’t it applied to my life?
Social justice is applied to my life in a variety of ways. I initiate social justice by consistently being fair and equitable in my treatment of everyone I come in contact with, regardless of race, nationality or creed. I also implore social justice by being an active member of the democratic process by voting and registering other eligible citizens to vote. Social justice is also applied to my life by my effort to become a member of the litigation system which will assist me in becoming even more vocal in the process of accountability for the leading component of the social justice system.

What is one thing I can do personally to achieve social justice in my own life?

The most important thing that I can do to achieve social justice in my own life is to remain an active and engaged member of my social atmosphere by participating in the democratic process which comprises the US political culture. More specifically, this means I must continue to stay abreast of what the major social issues are that plague my community, and gain as much knowledge as possible concerning the individuals who are interested in occupying a position of leadership, and make sure that the two aspects are in alignment with my perspective regarding the matters.

BIOGRAPHY – JENNIFER NORTH

Organizational Development Consultant Jennifer North provides expertise and service throughout the non-for-profit sector. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal and Justice Studies from Governors State University as well as a Master of Arts in Political and Justice Studies. Jennifer has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the non-for-profit program development field, including strategic and comprehensive planning.

With a goal to service the community via talents, experience, and education, Jennifer has volunteered for several non-for-profit organizations. Her service within these organizations has developed analytical skills, strategic planning, and organizational design. Jennifer conducts various life skills workshops, including peer mediation trainings and anger management classes. In addition, Jennifer is Co-Chairperson for Young and Powerful Chicago's “Action Now” violence prevention campaign, Markham 6 District Juvenile Court anger management instructor, and maintains her affiliations with John Howard Association.

Jennifer attended high school on the south side of Chicago during the 1990s. From there, Jennifer began her collegiate career in the fall of 2002 at Northwestern Business College. She received a degree in Legal Studies in 2004. However, it was at GSU where Jennifer peaked a solid interest in justice studies thus developing a heightened interest in the American Penal System.

Political and Justice Studies at GSU heightened Jennifer's desire to become aware of community and social organizing. She aspires to become a proponent of socioeconomic equality in urban communities, where race, class, and gender are no longer hindrances, yet assets of who people are. Jennifer's goal is to provide a thorough understanding of governmental operations, changing the socioeconomic desolation of communities from persons that struggle with corruption and socially unequal regimes.

Currently, Jennifer is pursuing a second master degree in Public Administration with an anticipated award date of fall 2013. Her studies include an analysis of historical philosophers and thinkers in government and politics. Jennifer is also evaluating governmental status in the lives of its citizens. Essentially, Jennifer aims to aid in creating a country that the United States Constitution refers to, producing the opportunity for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for every child, woman, and man alive.