The article discusses Brazil's selective prison system that disproportionately affects Black and poor populations, highlighting the systemic violence and socio-economic inequality behind crime.
The article explores the findings from the Brazilian Public Security Yearbook (2025), which reveal that Brazil's prison system is selective, disproportionately targeting Black and impoverished individuals who make up the majority of incarcerated populations. Despite the symbolism of blindfolded Lady Justice, the reality suggests that structural racism pervades the judicial system, ignoring root causes like socio-economic inequality, family disintegration, discrimination, and unequal access to basic rights.
It argues that the prevailing retributive justice paradigm focuses solely on personal accountability and punishment, neglecting more extensive social forces that fuel criminal activities. This narrow perspective overlooks crucial community, institutional, and societal factors contributing to violence and criminality, suggesting that mere individual responsibility does not capture the complexity of the situation.
The implications of these findings stress the urgent need for a justice reform that addresses the structural issues perpetuating violence and discrimination in Brazil. A holistic approach that considers socio-economic disparities and the systemic roots of crime could pave the way for a more equitable justice system, fostering social cohesion and reducing incarceration rates among marginalized populations.
