Disproportionate Sentencing Undermines Justice's True Purpose
🕓 Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes Overview Across legal systems worldwide, the bedrock principle of justice is fairness – that punishment should fit the crime, ensuring both retribution and rehabilitation. However, a growing body of evidence and public discourse suggests this principle is frequently undermined by disproportionate sentencing . This critical issue, where minor infractions lead to severe, life-altering penalties, erodes public trust in the judiciary, perpetuates cycles of disadvantage, and fundamentally distorts the true purpose of a justice system designed to uphold societal order and equity. The implications extend far beyond individual cases, touching upon the very fabric of societal norms and expectations regarding accountability and mercy. As legal frameworks strive for impartiality, the human element within judicial discretion often introduces biases that can lead to outcomes perceived as unjust and excessively punitive, particularly for vulnerable populations. B...