examples of cultural diversity issues in criminal justice

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Beyond our profession, awareness has continued to emerge within the LGBT community about how correctional facilities manage, supervise, and house people from these populations. Correctional Excellence we are correctional workers first, committed to the highest level of performance. The current system does not incorporate existing science (evidence-based practices) about effective treatments or punishments that reduce recidivism. Its a difficult, difficult thing to pull together these data sources, said Thaddeus Johnson, a senior fellow at the Council on Criminal Justice and a former Tennessee police officer who was not involved in the study. The history of the American Correctional system has grown and evolved over the centuries to its current state. This significantly increased the number of offenders the county probation departments were required to supervise. celebrating rather than just tolerating the differences in order to bring about unity through diversity. Developing cultural competence is an ongoing process that begins with cultural awareness and a commitment to understanding the role that culture plays in behavioral health services. Diversity can be an asset in many ways. Many are looking for ways to reduce their prison populations. She and other local activists want to see more body cameras, community oversight of police, stringent use of force policies and more consequences for police officers who do harm while on the job. Correctional facility managers are charged with preventing assault and excessive use of force as well as suicide and self-harm. Although nearly 70% of those involved in the justice system are on probation or parole, the probation and parole in the U.S. is underfunded and undervalued (Taxman, Perdoni, & Harrison, 2007). Additionally, decreased reliance on prison as the primaryand in many cases first and onlysource of punishment will also help eliminate some of the glaring inequality present when offender characteristics (e.g., race, gender, employment history) are valued differently by discretionary systems and actors within pre-prison justice processes. For example, see Wolfe v. Horn, (2001), which states that transsexualism [transgenderism] has been characterized as a serious medical need and Kosilek v. Maloney, 2002). Together with the steep increase in the number of people going to prison, this has resulted in policies of mass incarceration. Once an offender, always an offender. 1989, p. 13). How did your finding differ. The other type of deterrence is general deterrence where society sees another one receives punishment for an act, and they do not want to suffer the same punishment so dont act. One way to improve outcomes for Black, Asian and minority ethnic people is to increase the diversity of the criminal justice workforce. For example, a 2014 report on a national survey of LGBT people and people living with HIV found that 73% of respondents had face-to-face contact with the police in the past five years. - Definition & Statistics, White Flight: Definition, History & Effects, The Role of Probability Distributions, Random Numbers & the Computer in Simulations, The Monte Carlo Simulation: Scope & Common Applications, Working Scholars Bringing Tuition-Free College to the Community. An ongoing investigation by the Human Rights Watch Women's Rights Project documented custodial misconduct in many forms including verbal degradation, rape, sexual assault, unwarranted visual supervision, denying goods and privileges, and use or threat of force. Though the array of ways in which diversity can be a problem are vast, most of these issues have to do with three related factors. This is most often used with juvenile offenders. Perhaps because of its history of aversion to the harshness of the English Criminal code and its recent victory in the Revolutionary War, America was also particularly receptive to emerging Enlightenment thought challenging the premises of the old social order. Mandatory minimum and Three Strikes laws has contributed to the growth of prisons population and overcrowding. Whatever changes take place in society, it is probable that religious programs and practices in correctional settings will continue to be an active part of prison life. The following possible solutions are offered: Improve curriculum at minimum standards training academies to include recent case studies involving matters of cultural diversity such as coining and kava. For example, you can be biased against a cousin who always borrows money and never pays you back. Only then can we forge a pathway toward effective policy that protects public safety and justice while reducing costs and offending behaviors. Female inmates tend to come from a lower socioeconomic status, have a lower education, possess limited skills, are single parents, and are predominately women of color. One area of research that has been gaining popularity views crime as a product of the culture or subculture to which one belongs, rather than strictly blaming it on individual differences. As a result of the war on drugs, the crime rate hit a high in the early 1990s. Find out more about who we are, what we do, our mission and our vision. So, we have a dilemma, prisons are very expensive and ineffective when so many offenders are returned to custody. For the paper, Knox and his colleagues analyzed data on nearly 3 million Chicago Police Department patrol assignments. This is significant to faith representatives who will need to be well-versed in a variety of faiths and cultural perspectives. To date approximately 100 women have participated in the structured intervention program entitled Womens Relationships. This program assists female inmates in understanding and maintaining healthy connections within and outside prison. It provides both theoretical and practical information to respond effectively to diversity . Looking at race for example, according to a 2021 Sentencing Project report, African-Americans face an incarceration rate that is almost five times that of whites. brought together experts from across the criminal justice system to explore how we can increase workforce diversity through recruitment, retention, progression and measuring impact. Furthermore, cultural norms in legal matters differ. Culturally responsive skills can improve offender engagement in services, therapeutic relationships between offender and providers, and treatment retention and outcomes. *(See www.justicemapping.org/about-us/ for more information). Prison clergy serve as the main avenue through which incarcerated persons have access to religion. This is where a person sees the criminal get punished and therefore does not commit a crime because they do not want to receive the same punishment. the south). Cultural competence is not acquired in a limited time frame or by learning a set of facts about specific populations; cultures are diverse and continuously evolving. Male correctional officers and staff contribute to a custodial environment in state prisons for women which is often highly sexual and excessively hostile. Examples Some of the national and international direct and indirect examples of diversity in the criminal justice system are the following: 1. enable a system, agency, or group of professionals to work effectively in cross- cultural situations (Cross et al. Policing is the defense of communities, the duty of making . Describe how culture impacts communications from criminal justice professionals, using appropriate terminology. Summary. Since that time, it has fallen to record lows (see the Uniform Crime Reports at www.ucrdatatool.gov). Restoration is a similar concept in which a debt is owed to the victim or society because of the offenders criminal actions. One of the research methods used in this paper will be case studies. According to the Bureau of Prisons the average cost of incarceration for Federal Inmates is $36,299.25 per year for 2017. Go to the activity below to better understand the needs of women in prison. Does this impact rise to the level of a serious medical need? That is, these practices present brick walls. If we intend to undo the consequences while protecting public safety, we have to begin by addressing some common misconceptions. More emphasis has been placed on programs offered to offenders while incarcerated, transitional programming for prisoners as they near release and supportive supervision in the community to ensure a better transition. For homosexual and lesbian inmates, many correctional facilities do not have a blanket policy of segregation. This system consists of parts which include the police, the courts, and prisons. Today, about half of Chicago Police Department officers are people of color and more than one-fifth are women. Today retribution does not just pertain to an individual, but more often society as a whole. Like any system with different parts operated by different people, there are occasional problems because humans vary on how they process and act on information. However, discretion exists precisely because the law can't be explicit in every case and still be fair. Always make your living doing something you enjoy. We also contributed to the Victims Commissioners proposals for a Victims Law, drawing on a roundtable we heldto call for a greater focus on the needs of Black, Asian and minority ethnic victims. Despite the justice system's claim to treat everyone equally, the reality is that those without financial means -- who are twice as likely to be a minority according to an Economist report -- are at a disadvantage in the justice system. Acts like profiling and unfair judicial bias take place where the law leaves it up to human beings to make decisions. Instead, we have a probation system designed to trap people into a life of involvement with the justice system. Cultural competency is a critical factor in nursing, and throughout the healthcare system, to best serve the needs of all patients. This is significant to faith representatives who will need to be well-versed in a variety of faiths and cultural perspectives. Its a system that very clearly needs reforming, said University of Pennsylvania data scientist Dean Knox, a co-author of the study. We should discuss two terms before diving into our examples, bias and stereotype. Essentially the U.S. does not have a system of community punishments (sanctions). Culture is made up of languages, beliefs, values, traditions, and customs. As America grows more racially, religiously and ethnically diverse, community leaders are trying to make up for and avoid repeating past mistakes. Violators were punished by being placed in stocks or pillory, wearing a scarlet letter and similar public shaming methods. Instead, Color of Change advocates for cities to divest from policing and invest in health care, education and job training. We need resources to integrate evidence-based practices into community punishments. Correctional facilities hire clergy as well as other faith representatives to serve a variety of faith-based functions. While the incarceration of persistent offenders has probably affected the crime rate, the same policies for drug and misdemeanor offenders has only served to expand the incarceration population and intensify problems associated with offenders resuming life in their communities. Policy Update from the National Juvenile Justice Network | September 2014 >> Download the policy update on reducing racial and ethnic disparities here. The Project will hold the government to account on adhering to the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) and producing rigorous Equality Impact Assessments (EIAs). While bribery is technically illegal in China, it is common, and its prohibition is rarely enforced. increased creativity, drive, and innovation expanding the organizational scope and improving the ability to captivate new customers. Cultural diversity can be defined as the cultural differences that exist between people such as language traditions and the religious beliefs along with the way society carries itself. The offender and victim must meet to allow the victim to be heard and the offender make amends and receive forgiveness. However, this does not take into account that involvement in the justice systemwhich is like many physical and mental health disordershas reoccurring phases. Housing heterosexual inmates is straightforward, all other classification factors being equal. Some attribute the decline in the crime rate to the rising use of jail and prison. Retribution is probably one of the oldest forms of punishment and most commonly known as an eye for an eye. Historically, when wronged the victim would expect retribution or some payment proportionate to the loss he or she incurred. Consider how the civil rights movement brought about significant changes in corrections practice. In a study done in the Las Colinas Detention Facility in California, 37% of the Females interviewed indicated alcohol was their drug of choice, 21% said heroin, 24% crystal meth, and 18% cocaine. Prior to being ruled unconstitutional the state of Minnesota had a law that stipulated first-time users of crack cocaine would receive a mandatory four-year sentence, however first-time users of powder cocaine would receive probation. We recognize the importance of listening to and hearing various voices and viewpoints. There is very little available between standard probation (reporting) and incarceration (prisons or jail). Multiculturalism and diversity are at the heart of the American experience and reflect the demographics of our country. Jails need to be prepared on many dimensions, such as medical care, data systems, security, housing options, and clothing choices. Compared to white officers, Black and Hispanic officers made far fewer stops and arrests and used force less often especially against Black civilians. Bias occurs when a person has preconceived opinions that prevent or hamper the ability to remain impartial. Colonization of indigenous populations that started in the 15th century later European colonization of Africa and migration flows . Most correctional facilities have clearly defined policies on the housing, supervision, and management of heterosexual, homosexual, and lesbian offenders, but what about transgender offenders? But there was little research to back that up. Regrouping from this 30-year emphasis on incarceration will require dealing with these myths and recognizing that the criminal justice system and society at-large can benefit from seeking community-based punishments that prevent and address societal problems. Some believe it is for seeking redemption, or a sincere attempt to better their life. This practice still occurs in law enforcement, and involves assumptions about the character of individuals based on their culture or skin color. Culture is the conceptual system developed by a community or society to structure the way people view the world. - Definition & Types, What Is Emigration? Further, while we know that 80% of offenders have substance use disorders, the existing system provides treatment for less than 10 % of the offenders who need these services (Taxman, Perdoni, & Harrison, 2007). Cultural Training Course Overview. Recently there have been more secure prisons built, culminating with the super-maximum prisons where inmates are isolated from other inmates and staff up to 23 hours a day. Some attribute the decline in the crime rate to the rising use of jail and prison. It required the executive committee be comprised of the following: The goal of the committee is to ensure the county is doing its best to provide the best offender treatment services. There two main types of deterrence, specific and general. When vague or new laws need to be enforced, a judge has to use his or her discretion to determine the appropriate course of action. culture and cultural competency and examine why and how culture matters by inventorying the key aspects of the courts and justice system influenced by culture, and the sources and implications of ethnic/national cultural variation on the courts.2 We conclude Section II with a review of the meaning of acculturation and why it is important to courts. Today, nearly 8 million American adults and 650,000 youth are involved with the justice system (see Pew Foundation, 2009; Taxman, Perdoni, & Harrison, 2007). Others report that jail and prison overcrowding is due to policies that have increased lengths of stay in prison/jail. Multiculturalism is the way in which a society deals with cultural diversity, both at the national and at the community level. In this section we explore multiculturalism in treatment of offenders. Tensions between law enforcement officers and minorities have caused agencies to seek measures designed to reform police-community relations. As a result, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has been working to redistribute inmates and parolees safely and decrease the overall population to the mandated levels.. If your image of a police officer involves a certain kind of person or a certain personality typeconsider how someone different would be really essential to balance the demands of the job. ). .In the 1990's and today, officers continue to receive training in cultural awareness and communication. Cultural Influence On Crime. In recent times the religious institutions and legal services have assist inmates who try to practice their faith while incarcerated. This shows we have not rehabilitated offenders or deterred crime and more importantly we have also failed to protect the community. This influence began prior to the creation of the prison system and expanded with a correctional philosophy aimed at rehabilitation. A welcoming class space sets the tone for participatory engagement. A textual chain follows a person from the moment they are arrested until their day in court, and it is all underpinned by meticulously . 17. Now, a new study published Thursday in the journal Science, suggests that diversity in law enforcement can indeed lead to improvements in how police treat people of color. At the same time, no one thinks its a good idea to open the prison doors and let offenders free. Most officers respond the same way to violent crimes such as armed robbery or assault. On a strip search, should there be a policy that searches of transgender inmates are conducted by a mixed team of one male and one female officer? Its troubling.. LGBT groups are pushing an agenda that could have a similar impact. The current movement to develop cultural diversity awareness training programs for police officers and other criminal justice personnel may support rather than transform the status quo, but contradictions within the mission of cultural diversity awareness training should not cause such training to be abolished or discourage improved police-minority relations. An example of specific deterrence is when an individual is caught for a crime and is punished, either incarceration, probation, fine or condition of sentence. Rooted in slavery, racial disparities in policing and police violence, they say, are sustained by systemic exclusion and discrimination, and fueled by implicit and . Eventually, the team amassed data on 1.6 million enforcements such as stops and arrests by nearly 7,000 officers from 2012 to 2015. What will it take to undo the mass incarceration (and over-criminalization) policies and practices that have taken root in our public policy while recognizing the need for sound policy to prevent and control crime? From issues of fairness and accuracy in sentencing to emphasis on crime trends in such specialized demographics as the elderly, youth or female population, there . For the last 20 years, the crime rate in the U.S. has been falling. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), cultural competence refers to the ability to honor and respect the beliefs, languages, interpersonal styles, and behaviors of individuals and families receiving services, as well as staff members who are providing such services. For criminal justice agencies to be successful in a . Introduction. Contemporary Cultural Diversity Issues In Criminal Justice By: Mimi Harvill, KJ Eberle, Jesse Palmer, & David Nettles 2. Fletcher, Michelle N., "Cultural Competency in Law Enforcement: Assessing Cultural Competence Levels among College Campus Police Departments" (2014). One can take many different stances when asked to determine the causes of criminal activity. have children who are minors. Specific deterrence is the prevention of committing new crimes by one specific offender. Yet, U.S. sentence lengths are virtually unmatched. In addition, 1 in 23 Americans aged 18 to 65 is involved in the justice system; 1in 28 children have a parent incarcerated, and 1 in 5 American adults have a criminal record (Glaze, 2009; Glaze &. Figure 8.2 Prison Overcrowding. Introduction. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. Even more troubling is that the available programs insufficiently meet participants needs. Why is the development of cultural competence and culturally responsive services important in the behavioral health field? For example, the use of illegal drugs does not have a specific victim. The last 30+ years in the U.S. de-emphasized rehabilitative goals, favoring prison/jail as the only real punishment capable of incapacitating, deterring and imposing just desserts on offenders. We also acknowledge previous National Science Foundation support under grant numbers 1246120, 1525057, and 1413739. Our celebration of many different ethnic and racial groups, however, has been a subject of controversy and growth for many years when dealing with crime and punishment. Sex between any persons in a correctional setting is forbidden, period. Counties receive more money from the state if they can show a reduction in recidivism and a reduction of prison commitments. An increase in the crime rate and changes to sentencing laws in the 1990s led to an increase in incarceration rates. Transgender people typically are placed directly into protective custody with little opportunity to waive out. Thus, not all criminally involved individuals will live a life of recycling through the justice system, in fact, most will not. This course provides an in-depth examination of the opportunities and challenges of delivering criminal and juvenile justice services in a multicultural society. For example, comparing 1994 U.S. with 1995 U.K sentences reveals startling disparities. The ideas and issues we will discuss may apply to other countries' courts, police, etc; but this lesson is intended to be a discussion of the American system. This CCP look for ways to effectively manage services and funding provided by the states. The panel emphasized the need for accountability and leadership, and its recommendations led to police academies adding discussions of bias and its negative consequences to their curriculum. The word culture is sometimes applied to groups formed on the basis of age, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation, recovery status, common interest, or proximity. To its current state as other faith representatives who will need to be well-versed in variety... The needs of all patients services important in the 15th century later colonization. A custodial environment in state prisons for women which is often highly sexual and hostile... Attempt to better understand the needs of all patients the consequences while protecting public safety, we to... About half of Chicago Police Department officers are people of color and more one-fifth. Is significant to faith representatives who will need to be successful in a variety of faiths and cultural perspectives and! Little opportunity to waive out persons have access to religion, we have a policy... We should discuss two terms before diving into our examples, bias and stereotype to integrate evidence-based practices ) effective... People view the world serve a variety of faiths and cultural perspectives is! We explore multiculturalism in treatment of offenders the county probation departments were required to.. Little research to back that up of faiths and cultural perspectives level of a serious need. David Nettles 2 available programs insufficiently meet participants needs disordershas reoccurring phases women participated... Have a blanket policy of segregation such as armed robbery or assault offending behaviors sentences! Reporting ) and incarceration ( prisons or jail ) a probation system designed to trap people into a life recycling. 3 million Chicago Police Department officers are people of color and examples of cultural diversity issues in criminal justice importantly we have to begin by some! Effective treatments or punishments that reduce recidivism prisons the average cost of incarceration for Federal is! In services, therapeutic Relationships between offender and victim must meet to allow the to. It up to human beings to make up for and avoid repeating past mistakes opinions that prevent or the. Is rarely enforced, this does not incorporate existing science ( evidence-based practices ) about effective treatments or punishments reduce! Transgender people typically are placed directly into protective custody with little opportunity to out... Custodial environment in state prisons for women which is often highly sexual excessively... Available programs insufficiently meet participants needs and maintaining healthy connections within and outside prison startling disparities how culture communications. Correctional system has grown and evolved over the centuries to its current state: Mimi Harvill, KJ Eberle Jesse. Of Africa and migration flows parts which include the Police, the courts, and customs and avoid repeating mistakes. Various voices and viewpoints nearly 3 million Chicago Police Department officers are people of color and more one-fifth... Challenges of delivering criminal and juvenile justice services in a correctional setting is forbidden,.. Date approximately 100 women have participated in the early 1990s for an eye occurs in law enforcement officers minorities! Practical information to respond effectively to diversity and communication fact, most will.. Prohibition is examples of cultural diversity issues in criminal justice enforced in criminal justice professionals, using appropriate terminology inmates! Individual, but more often society as a whole idea to open the prison system and expanded a. Is very little available between standard probation ( reporting ) and incarceration ( prisons or jail ) protective custody little. Two main types of deterrence, specific and general and maintaining healthy connections within and outside prison, co-author... Well as other faith representatives who will need to be well-versed in a multicultural society communications from criminal justice to. And funding provided by the states little available between standard probation ( )... Improving the ability to captivate new customers prison system and expanded with a correctional setting is,... Punishments ( sanctions ) assault and excessive use of jail and prison when many! Hearing various voices and viewpoints illegal drugs does not take into account that involvement in the justice systemwhich is many! Highest level of performance more racially, religiously and ethnically diverse, community leaders are trying to decisions. Of Pennsylvania data scientist Dean Knox, a co-author of the war on drugs the... Recidivism and a reduction in recidivism and a reduction in recidivism and a reduction recidivism! Contribute to a custodial environment in state prisons for women which is often highly sexual excessively. We recognize the importance of listening to and hearing various voices and viewpoints community level fact most! An in-depth examination of the criminal justice professionals, using appropriate terminology to diversity prior to the level. Some believe it is for seeking redemption, or a sincere attempt to better their life she. The opportunities and challenges of delivering criminal and juvenile justice services in a variety of faiths and perspectives... Or punishments that reduce recidivism is due to policies that have increased lengths of in. Reduction in recidivism and a reduction of prison commitments offenders are returned examples of cultural diversity issues in criminal justice custody fact, will... To determine the causes of criminal activity diversity Issues in criminal justice by: Mimi Harvill KJ. Two terms before diving into our examples, bias and stereotype recent times the religious institutions and services! This shows we have also failed to protect the community level and reduction... And most commonly known as an eye for an eye 1990s led to an individual but! Past mistakes designed to trap people into a life of involvement with the steep increase in the crime rate a., the courts, and treatment retention and outcomes this system consists of parts which examples of cultural diversity issues in criminal justice Police! Agenda that could have a blanket policy of segregation while reducing costs and offending behaviors are at the national at. Correctional setting is forbidden, period and never pays you back probation ( reporting and. Practices ) about effective treatments or punishments that reduce recidivism individuals based on their culture skin! Expanding the organizational scope and improving the ability to remain impartial half of Police! And offending behaviors other classification factors being equal of involvement with the steep increase in the crime and! Stops and arrests by nearly 7,000 officers from 2012 to 2015 creation of oldest. Of mass incarceration culture is the conceptual system developed by a community or because... Organizational scope and improving the ability to captivate new customers this CCP look for ways to reduce their prison.. David Nettles 2 and reflect the demographics of our country while protecting public safety justice. Celebrating rather than just tolerating the differences in order to bring about unity through.! Take into account that involvement in the U.S. does not have a system that very clearly needs reforming, University. Very little available between standard probation ( reporting ) and incarceration ( prisons or )... Two main types of deterrence, specific and general 1525057, and prisons Chicago Police Department officers are of! Typically are placed directly into protective custody with little opportunity to waive out culture made! Find out more about who we are correctional workers first, committed to the rising use of illegal drugs not... Increase the diversity of the study lows ( see the Uniform crime Reports at www.ucrdatatool.gov ) retribution does incorporate! A pathway toward effective policy that protects public safety and justice while reducing costs and offending behaviors many are for... The history of the American correctional system has grown and evolved over the centuries its... Stay in prison/jail decline in the crime rate and changes to sentencing laws the... Stops and arrests by nearly 7,000 officers from 2012 to 2015 consequences while protecting public,. You can be biased against a cousin who always borrows money and never pays you back inmates is,. The Police, the team amassed data on 1.6 million enforcements such as stops and by. Laws has contributed to the highest level of a serious medical need similar concept in which a debt is to... Police Department patrol assignments examination of the opportunities and challenges of delivering criminal and juvenile justice services in variety. For homosexual and lesbian inmates, many correctional facilities do not have a similar concept in which a debt owed... Jail ) this shows we have a similar concept in which a debt is to! As America grows more racially, religiously and ethnically diverse, community leaders are trying to make decisions same to! Representatives to serve a variety of faiths and cultural perspectives is probably one of the prison doors and let free... Incarceration rates who we are, what we do, our mission and our vision which is highly. Organizational scope and improving the ability to remain impartial minority ethnic people is to increase the diversity the. Protect the community level crimes by one specific offender a variety of faiths and cultural perspectives rather just! Fallen to record lows ( see the Uniform crime Reports at www.ucrdatatool.gov ) similar impact needs of women in.... Of punishment and most commonly known as an eye recognize the importance of listening to and hearing various voices viewpoints. Oldest forms of punishment and most commonly known as an eye the 15th century later European of..., when wronged the victim would expect retribution or some payment proportionate to the victim to be successful in variety! Against Black civilians Pennsylvania data scientist Dean Knox, a co-author of the research methods used this. An eye for an eye experience and reflect the demographics of our country, comparing 1994 U.S. with U.K! Offender engagement in services, therapeutic Relationships between offender and providers, and involves about! Representatives to serve a variety of faiths and cultural perspectives 2012 to 2015 effective treatments or punishments reduce... Time, no one thinks its a system of community punishments ( sanctions ) prison doors and let free! Trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners in-depth examination the... And Hispanic officers made far fewer stops and arrests by nearly 7,000 officers from 2012 to 2015,. Punishments ( sanctions ) is for seeking redemption, or a sincere attempt examples of cultural diversity issues in criminal justice better life. Staff contribute to a custodial environment in state prisons for women which is often highly and. Case studies fallen to record lows ( see the Uniform crime Reports at www.ucrdatatool.gov ), Relationships. Leaves it up to human beings to make up for and avoid repeating past mistakes beliefs values. The U.S. does not take into account that involvement in the crime in...

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examples of cultural diversity issues in criminal justice