How does socioeconomic status impact the outcomes in the justice system?

Socioeconomic status can greatly affect how people experience the justice system. Individuals from lower-income backgrounds often face challenges such as limited access to quality legal representation, which can lead to harsher penalties or wrongful convictions. For example, someone who cannot afford a lawyer may have to rely on a public defender who has a heavy caseload and less time to prepare their case. Additionally, people with lower socioeconomic status might be more likely to come into contact with law enforcement due to factors like living in high-crime areas or being subjected to more police scrutiny. Overall, these disparities create an uneven playing field, where wealthier individuals often have better chances of favorable outcomes in legal situations.