The System Has Failed Us
August 9, 2019 marks a monumental day for social justice in the United States. Cyntoia Brown, a prostitute convicted of murder at the age 16, was released from jail after being sentenced to 51 years in prison. On the night of August 6, 2004, Brown murdered Johnny Allen in an attempt of self defense, but was charged as an adult with first degree felony and murder and aggravated assault. Brown endured over a decade of imprisonment before her case received enough publicity to get her the legal work to freedom. Recently, Brown has published a book titled, Free Cyntoia: My Search for Redemption in the American Prison System, where she discusses the traumatic experience in depth. To read more about Cynotia Brown and her case click HERE. Although Brown’s story ends on a note better than others, this case highlights a bigger issue in the American prison system.
According to GirlsNotBrides.com, 12 million girls worldwide are married each year before the age of 18. According to ArkOfHopeForChildren.com, about 300,000 children are lured into the sex trafficking business a year in the U.S. Due to social, economic, and legal factors more children are being forced into adult situations. However, legal systems continue to further strip children of their innocence due to racial and gender bias. Cynotia Brown was charged as an adult for her case even though she was only 16 years old at the time. Victims of sexual abuse and sexual violence are faced with the decision of protecting themselves or forfeiting their rights as a minor.
There is a problem in the U.S of young women from low income families being put into dangerous situations in order to make ends meet. Instead of understanding this cultural issue that is happening within our country the U.S has decided to punish these girls for what they’ve done. Loopholes within our justice system makes it possible for unjust consequences to happen. Originally, our legal system was built on racial and gender biases. These biases are still carried out today when examining the legal officials who are in power of determining the fate of criminals. Having more women, especially minority women serve in legal teams can create a substantial difference in the amount of under-aged girls being admitted to our prison systems.
There are laws in place that prevent minors from being charged as adults, being given the death penalty and life without parole because it is proven that their minds have not developed enough to understand the consequences of their actions. This NBC News Article does a great job at analyzing Brown’s case and cases like hers and how the judicial system continues to fail them. There is not a one step solution to fix the issue of under-aged aged girls being charged as adults in dangerous situations. The first step, however, is recognizing that the plan in place is not working and it is time for a change.
