Written by Jessica Shelburne
When found guilty of committing mail fraud and honest services fraud, an individual may face a prison sentence of up to 40 years collectively (Lisa, Portman). That is, if the individual is a considerably normal American citizen. However, if the citizen is rich and famous, this sentence may be reduced to merely 14 days. Just ask Felicity Huffman – one of dozens of celebrities involved in the largest college admissions scandal in U.S. history and charged with both aforementioned felonies. In addition to her two-week prison sentence, Huffman will serve one year of probation, complete 250 hours of community service, and pay a fine $30,000 (pocket change for the elite). Arguably, this sentencing does not remedy the subterfuge, exploitation, and negligence that encompass this situation entirely.
Nonetheless, Huffman is not exclusively at fault for the sentencing, but the justice system as a whole and the way it favors white individuals and those who can literally afford to get out of it. More than 450,000 people remain incarcerated across the United States because they do not have the financial ability to post bail and 60% of the prison population is made up of people of color (Sawyer, Soloman).
While criminal acts are unquestionably and rightfully consequential, the overrepresentation of minorities and low-income individuals in the justice system is not solely the product of criminal acts. Rather, it is accompanied by the inherent partiality of police and judges, etc. over those victimized by the system.
Justice is not interpreted consistently throughout the legal system, making it more of an idea or agenda than a result. The variation in how justice is served, received, or earned influences police brutality, excessive or insufficient sentencing, and the general procession of operations within the legal system.
Felicity Huffman’s paltry sentencing is not the first of its kind, nor will it be the last, to reflect the privilege of the white and wealthy. Similarly, the countless and inordinate sentencings of those who have been unfairly incarcerated without said privilege will also continue to occur. Therefore, it becomes the responsibility of those who enjoy freedom to expose injustice and advocate equality.
