Human dignity and the criminal justice system in the USA

Authors

  • Eric Lotke National Center on Institutions and Alternatives, NCIA, Estados Unidos

Keywords:

Human dignity, Criminal justice, Incarceration, Dehumanization, Alternative sanctions

Abstract

The article examines human dignity and the criminal justice system in the United States, starting from the extraordinary growth of the system and incarceration rates. The exposition analyzes stable crime rates, facilitated entry into prisons, racial disparity, and the use of the system to administer the lower classes. The text argues that dehumanizing rhetoric turns people into monsters, denying them dignity, and that there is no consistent correlation between prison construction and crime reduction. The investigation proposes alternative sanctions and prevention programs, concluding that dignity will return with a peace agenda.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

-

Published

1998-10-01

How to Cite

LOTKE, Eric. Human dignity and the criminal justice system in the USA. Brazilian Journal of Criminal Science, São Paulo, v. 24, n. 24, p. 39–50, 1998. Disponível em: https://publicacoes.ibccrim.org.br/index.php/RBCCRIM/article/view/3772. Acesso em: 20 oct. 2026.

Issue

Section

International Doctrine
Views 16 Downloads 8