Write an essay on whether or not the justice system is simply a bureaucratic assembly line that does not promote justice as much as it simply ensures its own survival, with an emphasis on production. What should be the professional goals of the various actors in the system (judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys)?

QUESTION

Write an essay on whether or not the justice system is simply a bureaucratic assembly line that does not promote justice as much as it simply ensures its own survival, with an emphasis on production. What should be the professional goals of the various actors in the system (judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys)?

You are expected to write professionally with correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar, developing your topic and providing solid examples from our readings, your own research, or your own experiences to back up your statements.

Essays should be double-spaced, in 12-point Times New Roman or Cambria font, with 1-inch margins all around. When citing resources, you must adhere strictly to APA style (all papers must include a title page and reference page, although you will not be required to provide an abstract). The paper must have a minimum of 2 full double-spaced pages of meaningful discussion (title page and reference page do not count as part of those pages). The paper must include a minimum of 3 references (outside of the course text), with at least one reference from peer-reviewed academic journals (peer-reviewed references should be highlighted in bold type in the reference list). You must not to write in first person. All papers must be in a .doc, .pdf, or .rtf format.

Textbook

Pollack, Joycelyn. (2019) Ethical Dilemmas and Decisions in Criminal Justice. 10th Ed. Cengage Learning.

ANSWER

 The Justice System: A Bureaucratic Assembly Line or a Promoter of Justice?

Introduction

The justice system serves a crucial role in society, aiming to ensure fairness, uphold the law, and promote justice. However, there is an ongoing debate about whether the justice system has become a bureaucratic assembly line primarily focused on its own survival and production, rather than promoting true justice. This essay will explore this argument, examining the professional goals of the key actors within the system, including judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys.

The Justice System as a Bureaucratic Assembly Line

Critics argue that the justice system has become a bureaucratic assembly line, driven by efficiency and productivity rather than the pursuit of justice. This perspective suggests that the system’s primary focus is on processing cases quickly, resulting in the loss of individualized attention and consideration for the unique circumstances of each case. The emphasis on production often leads to a prioritization of quantity over quality, potentially compromising the pursuit of justice (Yu, 2017).

One of the significant factors contributing to the perception of the justice system as an assembly line is the overwhelming caseloads faced by judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys. The heavy workload forces these actors to make quick decisions and compromises, potentially undermining the pursuit of justice. In addition, limited resources and time constraints hinder the ability of these actors to thoroughly investigate cases and provide a fair and balanced representation.

Professional Goals of Key Actors in the Justice System

 Judges

Judges play a vital role in the justice system, responsible for ensuring due process and upholding the law. To promote justice, judges should strive for impartiality, fairness, and the unbiased interpretation and application of the law (America’s Courts and the Criminal Justice System, n.d.). They must prioritize the pursuit of truth and weigh the evidence presented, while also considering the unique circumstances and individual rights of the parties involved. Judges should aim to facilitate a fair and transparent process, ensuring that justice is served, and public trust in the system is maintained.

Prosecutors

Prosecutors hold a significant responsibility in the justice system, representing the state and advocating for the enforcement of the law. While their primary duty is to seek justice, prosecutors should also be mindful of the principles of fairness, objectivity, and the protection of individual rights. Their professional goals should include ensuring the adequate investigation of cases, avoiding prosecutorial misconduct, and considering alternative solutions, such as diversion programs, when appropriate. Prosecutors should prioritize the pursuit of truth and work towards achieving fair outcomes, rather than solely focusing on conviction rates or case closures.

Defense Attorneys

Defense attorneys serve as advocates for the accused, safeguarding the constitutional rights of individuals involved in criminal proceedings. Their primary professional goal is to provide effective and zealous representation to their clients (Andrews et al., 2014). This involves thorough investigation, challenging the evidence presented, and ensuring that the accused receives a fair trial. Defense attorneys should strive to protect individual rights, challenge unfair practices or biases within the system, and promote the principle of innocence until proven guilty. While they advocate for their clients, defense attorneys should also work to uphold the integrity of the justice system as a whole.

Conclusion

While concerns about the justice system functioning as a bureaucratic assembly line are valid, it is crucial to acknowledge that the pursuit of justice remains a fundamental principle. The professional goals of judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys should be aligned with this pursuit, emphasizing fairness, objectivity, and the protection of individual rights. By balancing efficiency with the promotion of justice, the justice system can maintain its integrity, inspire public trust, and ensure that the outcomes of criminal proceedings are just and equitable for all parties involved.

References

America’s Courts and the Criminal Justice System. (n.d.). Google Books. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=eg9EDwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=Professional+Goals+of+Key+Actors+in+the+Justice+System&ots=-vPDXnlyXR&sig=QNuxl-32AMZU7O9iA_XaA2XVErg 

Andrews, S., Lamb, M. E., & Lyon, T. P. (2014). Question Types, Responsiveness and Self-contradictions when Prosecutors and Defense Attorneys Question Alleged Victims of Child Sexual Abuse. Applied Cognitive Psychology, 29(2), 253–261. https://doi.org/10.1002/acp.3103 

Yu, H. (2017). Networking China: The Digital Transformation of the Chinese Economy Yu Hong Urbana, Chicago and Springfield: University of Illinois Press, 2017 225 pp. $28.00 ISBN 978-0-252-08239-9. The China Quarterly, 231, 817–819. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0305741017001151