In today’s society, power often reigns supreme, dictating the course of justice and blurring the lines of fairness.  It is a fact that has made me, a concerned citizen, wonder about the balance of our criminal justice system.

An unsettling pattern is emerging in our society: a marked disparity in how people are viewed depending on their socioeconomic status. Economically-deprived individuals frequently face harsh penalties, while others in positions of power and luxury seem to easily escape punishment for their crimes.

Economically-deprived individuals frequently face harsh penalties, while others in positions of power easily escape punishment for their crimes.

Recently, shoplifting has received a lot of attention on social media. Shoplifting is an act that is sometimes borne out of desperation and often results in severe repercussions for people from marginalised backgrounds. People with few resources are punished disproportionately harshly, in turn feeding a cycle of inequality. This unfair gap not only pushes the poor further out of the mainstream but also exposes the structural problems within our legal system.

On the other hand, people in positions of wealth, power, and influence typically profit from a different standard of justice. It is depressing to watch wealthy people getting away with white-collar crimes that involve stealing substantial sums of money, paying bribes, and other corrupt activities. These crimes, which can be referred to as “crimes of the powerful,” not only go unpunished but are also kept out of public view (Comba, 2019). It is a glaring reality that the scales of justice are broken, allowing the wealthy and influential to manipulate the system in their favour.

The inherent question that arises from these discrepancies is where justice truly lies in our society. Does it represent a concrete reality or an ideal? The pursuit of justice should be blind to social status and prioritize equitable treatment. It should aim to address the root causes of crime, rehabilitate offenders, and restore balance within communities. However, the prevailing inequality calls into question the true essence of justice and the need for systemic reform.

As concerned citizens, we must demand an honest and fair criminal justice system. We must fight for a society in which every individual is treated equally under the law, wherein influence and power do not control the course of justice.