Reimagining Justice: Ben Perrin's Vision for Canada's Criminal System
Episode Overview
The criminal justice system perpetuates traumas and harms while failing to deliver justice or safety Coercion and punishment are ineffective in addressing complex societal challenges Incarceration exacerbates issues like substance use and mental health problems Early childhood trauma prevention is key to reducing criminal behaviour and violence Advocacy for evidence-based and compassionate policies for a safer society
The criminal justice system is not really doing much good for anyone directly involved, whether that's a person charged with a crime, whether that's a victim, or even some of the correctional staff who work within it.
What happens when a law professor takes a hard look at Canada's criminal justice system? In this episode of People First Radio, Ben Perrin shares his eye-opening findings from countless interviews with those who've lived through the system. From individuals who have been incarcerated to victims of crime, Perrin paints a vivid picture of a system in dire need of reform.
He argues that the current focus on punishment and coercion fails to address the root causes of crime and often exacerbates the problems it aims to solve. Instead, Perrin advocates for evidence-based policies that emphasize prevention, early intervention, and community support. Through compelling anecdotes and striking statistics, he makes a strong case for a more compassionate and effective approach to justice.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the real impact of our criminal justice system and exploring alternatives that prioritize healing and rehabilitation over punishment.