There are three branches of government, legislative, executive, and judicial. The judicial branch is made up of the supreme court and rules all matters related to the constitution. This branch possesses extensive power over the law and is continuing to grow since its conception in 1789. Supreme Court Justices are not elected like the other two branches, but they are appointed by the president. The justices are able to serve for life or until the senate impeaches them. The constitution, which delineates the framework for government, is vague in modern-day interpretation. Laws that were written two hundred and twenty-nine years ago for the betterment and safety of American citizens simply do not apply to the progressive era we live in today. There is no way to justify living constitutionalism without at least some consideration of consequences. For example, altering a dysfunctional prison system.
The United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world, with over 2.3 million prisoners behind bars. Taxpayers pay over sixty-nine billion each year in order to maintain the prison system. How did the nation get to this point and how can we prevent the numbers from rising? We know the prison system needs radical reform but how can we accomplish that effectively? The act of reducing harsh prison systems begin by understanding the root causes. Currently, 47% of prisoners are incarcerated for drug-related offenses. By changing the dynamic around the drug sentencing policy surrounding the war on drugs, we can decriminalize certain drug policies. Prioritizing rehabilitation of offenders, especially juvenile is pivotal in this crisis. As well as altering policies surrounding food stamps and voting rights for previous offenders to reduce likelihood of homelessness. By implementing small steps for prison reform, we as a nation can and will strive for a brighter future. A nation should not be judged on how it treats its highest citizens, but how they treat its lowest ones.
Adventures In The Life Of Mary M. 