Several of TEJ's members, or someone they care about had been a victim of crime, so they have a vested
interest in the criminal justice system. Other members recognize that problems exist within the system
that are often unjust not only to the victim, but, to society as a whole, and have committed themselves
to doing something about it. These problems ultimately affect us all.
When a criminal justice system more stringently guards or serves its own bureaucratic interests, and the
needs of the offender while showing little regard for crime victims or the safety and general well being of
society - something is very wrong. Instead of having a balance in the justice system - the scales of
justice are tipped so far in favor of the accused that crime victims are often lost in the process. We need
a justice system where the crime victim and the interests of society are given, at least, the same
consideration as that allotted the accused. We need a equal justice system!
The injustices we perceive to be associated with the criminal justice system, (i.e. mandatory parole,
unmerited social programs, excessive plea-bargaining, minor technicalities that allow for new trials
or for convictions to be completely overturned, etc.) did not occur overnight. They will not be corrected
overnight. It will take time, commitment and dedicated efforts on the part of crime victims, concerned
citizens and concerned criminal justice professionals.
Much of the anger and frustration many people feel toward the system stems from not knowing
how or why it operates the way it does, and feeling incapable of doing anything to change it. There is
hope for meaningful criminal justice reform. Such reform will depend largely on how much effort and
commitment we as individuals are willing to contribute to it.