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Abstract: 

Today there is a huge separation between our justice system and people in many communities who believe that the system is unfair, unjust, and racially biased. It seems that every day, there is a new video of a police assault on an African American. Also contributing to the belief that our justice system is unfair, unjust, and racially biased are legislatures’ tough-on-crime laws, courts’ sentencing practices, and corrections practices that are heavily weighted toward punishment. What might we do in community corrections to change that belief? We can continue to improve what we do and to have the courage to speak out and join the debate, sharing our unique and informed perspective and experience. In his acceptance speech as recipient of the ICCA’s Margaret Mead award for distinguished service, John Larivee reminds us why need to keep our focus on the goal of having a justice system that is, and is seen all citizens and communities to be, fair, just, and equal.

Keywords: Criminal justice system, correctional practice, racial bias, sentencing reform, community corrections

Affiliations:  1: Community Resources for Justice.