The Political Dynamics of Justice Reform in The U.S.
The Political Dynamics of Justice Reform in The U.S.
The Political Dynamics of Justice Reform in The U.S.
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Different types <strong>of</strong> disenfranchisement exist that affect the formerly <strong>in</strong>carcerated after<br />
their release. Advocates <strong>of</strong> crim<strong>in</strong>al justice reform <strong>in</strong> the United States <strong>of</strong>ten also push<br />
for the reform <strong>of</strong> restrictions on federal aid and societal participation. Federal restrictions<br />
that exist <strong>in</strong>clude bans on the use <strong>of</strong> welfare programs and federal f<strong>in</strong>ancial aid for<br />
education. Restrictions on societal participation <strong>in</strong>clude felons not be<strong>in</strong>g allowed to hold<br />
public <strong>of</strong>fice, teach or work <strong>in</strong> child care, or vote. Vot<strong>in</strong>g restrictions are known as felony<br />
disenfranchisement. This refers to the regulations that prevent those with a felony<br />
conviction from vot<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> local, state, and federal elections on the basis <strong>of</strong> their<br />
conviction. 6.1 million <strong>in</strong>dividuals were unable to vote due to felony disenfranchisement<br />
<strong>in</strong> 2016.<br />
Former prisoners are<br />
<strong>in</strong>carcerated multiple<br />
times, <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g<br />
recidivism rates, because<br />
they are unable to follow<br />
strict rules and<br />
regulations. Advocates <strong>of</strong><br />
parole reform perceive<br />
these regulations as not<br />
be<strong>in</strong>g focus on<br />
community well be<strong>in</strong>g but<br />
<strong>in</strong>stead on controll<strong>in</strong>g<br />
parolees. A report for<br />
Columbia University's<br />
<strong>Justice</strong> lab showed that<br />
<strong>in</strong> the four years s<strong>in</strong>ce<br />
January 1, 2018, New<br />
York City's jail population<br />
decl<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
by<br />
21%. However, dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
this time period, the<br />
population <strong>of</strong> <strong>in</strong>dividuals<br />
<strong>in</strong>carcerated due to<br />
parole violations<br />
<strong>in</strong>creased by 15%.<br />
<strong>The</strong> challenge <strong>of</strong> f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g<br />
employment<br />
opportunities is another<br />
barrier for re<strong>in</strong>tegration.<br />
Many employers deny<br />
applicants due to crim<strong>in</strong>al<br />
records. Other reasons for difficulty f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g employment is lack <strong>of</strong> available support such<br />
as personal networks and resources from correction systems. <strong>The</strong> chance <strong>of</strong> successful<br />
re<strong>in</strong>tegration can come from the community surround<strong>in</strong>g the newly released <strong>in</strong>dividual.<br />
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