Information Society Exploits and Criminal Records
65 million Americans with some type of criminal record
More people than ever are saddled with a criminal record; and all the implications that that entails. That contributes to an ever increasing number of people that are unable to secure viable employment in this information society. There was a time when employers had to make a real effort to look into a potential employees criminal background; but now, with this information age, that is no longer the case. Employers can access information easier than ever, and can recklessly use that information to discriminate against potential employees; even when the record is old, a misdemeanor, or would have little, if anything, to do with ones expected job duties.
The United States has more people with criminal records than ever; 65 million; according to some estimates. That isn't always an accurate summary of ones life- as some of those individuals have had little, to no, access to legal council, and may have been unjustly accused. Some people have been the victims of over-zealous prosecution and an over-burdened public defense system. According to the National Registry of Exonerations, and a study conducted by University of Michigan (2012), more than 2,000 people have been exonerated in the last 23 years; and most of these cases relied on DNA. How about the millions of cases that relied on eye witness testimony and hearsay? Many of those accused in this country, especially the indigent, rely on the judicial system to exonerate them. But if a prosecutor is assigned the duty of 'getting tough on crime', wouldn't that be a conflict of interest for the state (public defense) to put up a vigorous defense for its indigent clients? Most indigent citizens in this country are pushed through the system, without their right to due process; as it is easier and more cost effective. But what if their innocent? Is it really fair, that a system of justice- that is flawed by design- maintain long term judgement against those with old misdemeanor records?
Living in a litigious society, as we do in America, I understand how having a criminal record can potentially impact the economic bottom line for any company; but it is unreasonable to expect citizens of this country to positively contribute to society if they are not allowed to do so. With an increasing number of people acquiring criminal records in this country- due to increasing laws in America; approximately 3,000, 'get-tough-on-crime' legislation, and decreasing public defense funds- there will be fewer and fewer citizens contributing to the workforce. This increase in unemployment will also negatively impact government social services and increase homelessness.
This issue is a problem in America today, and ignoring it won't make it go away. It's time that we take on the real problems head-on.
The United States has more people with criminal records than ever; 65 million; according to some estimates. That isn't always an accurate summary of ones life- as some of those individuals have had little, to no, access to legal council, and may have been unjustly accused. Some people have been the victims of over-zealous prosecution and an over-burdened public defense system. According to the National Registry of Exonerations, and a study conducted by University of Michigan (2012), more than 2,000 people have been exonerated in the last 23 years; and most of these cases relied on DNA. How about the millions of cases that relied on eye witness testimony and hearsay? Many of those accused in this country, especially the indigent, rely on the judicial system to exonerate them. But if a prosecutor is assigned the duty of 'getting tough on crime', wouldn't that be a conflict of interest for the state (public defense) to put up a vigorous defense for its indigent clients? Most indigent citizens in this country are pushed through the system, without their right to due process; as it is easier and more cost effective. But what if their innocent? Is it really fair, that a system of justice- that is flawed by design- maintain long term judgement against those with old misdemeanor records?
Living in a litigious society, as we do in America, I understand how having a criminal record can potentially impact the economic bottom line for any company; but it is unreasonable to expect citizens of this country to positively contribute to society if they are not allowed to do so. With an increasing number of people acquiring criminal records in this country- due to increasing laws in America; approximately 3,000, 'get-tough-on-crime' legislation, and decreasing public defense funds- there will be fewer and fewer citizens contributing to the workforce. This increase in unemployment will also negatively impact government social services and increase homelessness.
This issue is a problem in America today, and ignoring it won't make it go away. It's time that we take on the real problems head-on.
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