Justice
An essential goal for Scotland should be to substantially reduce crime. We believe this must be achieved through the use of interventions which break the cycle of offending. At the same time we want to see a plan for justice which is clear of hindering delays.
Some Justice Related Articles and Reports
Child Care or Caring About Children?↗
Justice starts from before Day One. We need to make sure everyone is cared for to ensure they get the best out of life.
Witnessing the Criminal Justice System↗
Kaitlin Dryburgh writes for Common Weal on her experiences as a witness describing how the current criminal justice system fails many of those who it impacts and requires rapid change.
A Scottish Approach to Immigration Post-Brexit↗
Scotland's lack of land reform has led to centuries of injustice and inequality. It's long past time for change.
Debt Free meals↗
Little analysis has so far been applied to how we should see 'justice' under the lens of the the cost of living crisis. This podcast addresses themes of debt justice and proposals to avoid families unnecessarily falling into spiralling debt.
A Community Worker says the Justice System has to continue imagining a better future for all involved.
Read as Peter describes how Scotland has cut its drug deaths and reoffending rates by introducing a more humane and fair policy approach to Scotland’s justice system. Common Weal has created fictional characters to demonstrate how Scotland’s justice system could be enhanced by independence and the policies in Sorted by no longer having a revolving door in its prisons and legalising drugs.
Peter's Story
I work as a community care assistant in the harm reduction unit, a challenging yet rewarding job. My team and I have noticed a big difference in the past couple of years, as the way Scotland approaches justice has changed for the better.
With my job it isn’t unusual that I work with people who have had experience with the justice system. However, compared to when I started this job over a decade ago, Scotland now approaches the justice system in a much more humane and efficient way. We no longer suffer from a revolving door situation, so re-offending rates are down. With some investment Scotland’s prisons now offer a real opportunity at rehabilitation. There is access to education, skills training, an opportunity for inmates to learn about childcare and domestic chores. Additionally there is full access to both physical and mental healthcare.
We no longer send children to prison but instead take them out of their most likely chaotic lives and place them in an open rehabilitation home which emphasises education or work, independently looking after yourself, communication, and anti-violence training. Punishment for the sake of punishment is no longer our approach, we want to support people.
Since the 2020’s one of the most important changes is the reduction in drug deaths. Drugs aren’t criminal anymore. Drug addiction is finally being treated as a health issue instead of a criminal one, and people are no longer punished for their addiction. The stigma is starting to disappear, and previous drug users are working with professionals to improve drug services. It is now possible to access stable regulated drugs with no need to approach organised crime. This has also helped to reduce crime overall, making the streets safer for everyone.
Doesn't this sound like a more just and fair system than we currently have? We really can do things differently in Scotland. To find out more on these ideas head to our Social media channels #Sorted