Posted: June 12th, 2022

Juvenile justice professionals are authorized to exercise discretion

Juvenile justice professionals are authorized to exercise discretion in the handling of cases. Discretion, in fact, is a characteristic of our juvenile and criminal justice systems. Police, prosecutors, judges, and correctional officials all have a degree of discretion. In other words, they can use their judgement. This, of course, can result in differential treatment. Discuss the relationship between discretion and implicit bias. Include in your discussion how implicit bias can impact decision-making?

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Discretion, as a fundamental aspect of the juvenile and criminal justice systems, empowers professionals such as police officers, prosecutors, judges, and correctional officials to exercise judgment in handling cases. However, the exercise of discretion can lead to differential treatment, particularly when implicit bias comes into play. Implicit bias refers to the unconscious attitudes and stereotypes that individuals hold about certain groups of people, which can impact their decision-making processes.

Implicit biases are deeply ingrained and can shape an individual’s perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors. When professionals in the juvenile justice system make decisions based on implicit biases, it can lead to unfair and unequal treatment for certain individuals or groups. For example, if a police officer holds implicit biases against a particular racial or ethnic group, they may be more likely to view individuals from that group as suspicious or dangerous, resulting in more frequent stops, searches, or arrests.

Prosecutors also exercise discretion in deciding which cases to pursue, the charges to bring, and the plea bargains to offer. If a prosecutor holds implicit biases, it can influence their decision-making. For instance, they may be more likely to seek harsher charges or less favorable plea deals for defendants from certain racial or socioeconomic backgrounds, perpetuating disparities in the criminal justice system.

Judges, too, have discretion in determining the appropriate sentences and treatment options for juvenile offenders. Implicit biases can affect their decisions, potentially resulting in unequal treatment. Judges may impose harsher sentences or fewer opportunities for rehabilitation for individuals based on their race, ethnicity, or other factors influenced by implicit bias.

Correctional officials also exercise discretion in determining the conditions of confinement and access to rehabilitative programs. If these officials hold implicit biases, they may inadvertently contribute to disparate treatment by favoring or penalizing certain individuals or groups based on preconceived notions influenced by implicit bias.

The impact of implicit bias on decision-making in the juvenile justice system can perpetuate systemic inequalities and further marginalize already vulnerable populations. To address this issue, it is crucial to provide ongoing training and education to professionals in the justice system, focusing on raising awareness of implicit bias and promoting fair and equitable decision-making. Implementing policies and procedures that minimize the potential influence of bias, such as structured decision-making tools and diverse representation within the system, can also help reduce the impact of implicit bias.

In conclusion, discretion is a characteristic of the juvenile and criminal justice systems that grants professionals the power to make judgments. However, when discretion is influenced by implicit biases, it can result in differential treatment. Recognizing the relationship between discretion and implicit bias is essential in striving for a more equitable and fair juvenile justice system, which requires ongoing efforts to address and mitigate the impact of implicit biases on decision-making processes.

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