What is Justice? | Robert Reed | TEDxUpperDublinED

Summary

This powerful transcript reflects on the evolution of justice, from its early conceptions in the Old Testament to its modern-day challenges. The speaker, a 34-year veteran of the U.S. Department of Justice, discusses how the criminal justice system has moved from focusing solely on law enforcement to addressing underlying issues like poverty, addiction, and trauma. Highlighting initiatives in Philadelphia, the speaker emphasizes the importance of community involvement, empathy, and rehabilitation, showcasing the transformation of at-risk youth through education, mentorship, and restorative justice programs. Justice, the speaker concludes, is about dignity, respect, and evolving with the needs of society.

Takeaways

• 😀 Justice is a deeply complex and evolving concept, and each person may have their own unique definition of it.
• 😀 Historical events like the Holocaust, slavery, and lynching highlight injustices, emphasizing that justice has often been violated throughout history.
• 😀 The concept of justice has evolved since ancient texts, such as the Old Testament, and continues to shape modern societies, including in the U.S. Constitution.
• 😀 The Founding Fathers of the United States did not fully embrace justice, as slavery was allowed in the Constitution, and equality was limited to certain groups.
• 😀 Despite significant progress, societal issues like violence, poverty, and intolerance in the U.S. suggest that true justice has not yet been fully achieved.
• 😀 The Department of Justice initially focused primarily on law enforcement but has recently recognized the need for proactive community involvement and addressing underlying societal issues.
• 😀 Gun violence in the U.S. remains a major issue, with a significant portion of murders being committed with firearms. Arresting criminals alone isn't enough to reduce crime.
• 😀 The disparity between neighborhoods in Philadelphia—such as differences in life expectancy—illustrates the systemic inequalities that hinder justice for many communities.
• 😀 Poverty, addiction, and joblessness in certain areas of Philadelphia, such as Strawberry Mansion, create conditions that prevent people from achieving justice and equality.
• 😀 Community-based initiatives, such as providing resources for high school students and fostering restorative justice practices, are critical steps toward creating justice in underserved areas.
• 😀 The justice system must consider trauma, particularly in high-crime areas, and offer healing opportunities for both community members and law enforcement to improve relations and outcomes.

Q & A

What is the significance of justice in the context of the speaker's message?

The speaker emphasizes that justice is a deeply ingrained human concept, essential for societal harmony. It evolves over time, as shown by historical examples and legal documents, including the Old Testament and the U.S. Constitution. However, justice has often been misinterpreted or unevenly applied, particularly in the cases of slavery and racial inequality.

How does the speaker critique the original intentions of the U.S. Constitution regarding justice?

The speaker points out that while the U.S. Constitution speaks of justice, it paradoxically allowed slavery and the dehumanization of Black individuals. The founding documents did not apply the concept of equality to women or minorities, which challenges the integrity of the justice system at that time.

What has changed in the U.S. justice system since 2009 according to the speaker?

Since 2009, there has been a growing recognition that law enforcement alone cannot solve societal problems. While the criminal justice system is effective at prosecuting crimes, it does not address underlying issues such as violence, poverty, and inequality.

What statistics does the speaker use to highlight the violence in the U.S.?

The speaker presents alarming statistics about murder rates in the U.S., highlighting that in 2013, 14,196 people were murdered, with 8,583 of those deaths caused by firearms. Despite improvements over the years, gun violence remains a significant problem.

How does the speaker illustrate the disparity in life expectancy in Philadelphia?

The speaker illustrates the stark difference in life expectancy between neighborhoods in Philadelphia. For instance, individuals in North Philadelphia live, on average, 20 years less than those in wealthier neighborhoods like Upper Dublin, reflecting disparities in health, safety, and economic opportunities.

What is the relationship between poverty and crime in Philadelphia according to the speaker?

The speaker connects poverty, joblessness, and lack of opportunities with higher crime rates in areas like North Philadelphia. In these areas, unemployment rates reach as high as 50-70%, and 100% of people live below the poverty line, leading to systemic issues that contribute to criminal behavior.

What initiatives has the Department of Justice been involved in to address these issues?

The Department of Justice has launched several initiatives to address crime and poverty, including community outreach programs. For example, they helped establish a football team at Strawberry Mansion High School, started a youth court to reduce suspensions, and worked on trauma recovery programs like 'Smash' (Strawberry Mansion a Sanctuary for Hope).

What is the significance of the 'Voices of Youth' program?

'Voices of Youth' allows young people from troubled communities to express themselves through film and other creative outlets. This initiative empowers them to tell their stories, build leadership skills, and gain recognition for their accomplishments, as seen when their film 'Morning at Night' won an award.

What role does trauma play in the challenges faced by children in North Philadelphia?

The speaker explains that children in areas like North Philadelphia often experience chronic violence, leading to trauma and potentially PTSD. This trauma affects brain development, making it harder for these children to overcome the difficulties of their environment, which hinders their ability to thrive.

How has the Department of Justice's approach to justice evolved?

The Department of Justice has shifted from focusing solely on law enforcement to taking a more holistic approach. This includes preventive measures, community engagement, and programs aimed at healing trauma, promoting education, and providing new opportunities for at-risk youth.