Abstract :
Systemic injustices embedded within the U.S. criminal justice system continue to fuel racial and socio-economic disparities, disproportionately impacting marginalized communities, particularly Black Americans and People of Colour. These inequities stem from entrenched structural biases in law enforcement, judicial practices, and pretrial procedures, which collectively perpetuate cycles of disadvantage and discrimination. This paper delves into the multifaceted dimensions of systemic injustice, tracing its origins within both legal frameworks and broader social constructs that maintain inequity. Employing Critical Race Theory (CRT) as a lens, the research explores how intertwined legal, economic, and social structures sustain these disparities, often under the guise of ideologies like meritocracy and colour-blindness, which obscure the realities of discrimination. By incorporating principles from counselling psychology, which emphasizes mental health, trauma, and cultural competence, the study highlights the significant mental and emotional toll systemic injustice exerts on affected communities. Addressing the compounded effects of this injustice on psychological well-being, the paper proposes an integrated framework for re-form centered on distributive and procedural justice as essential elements. This approach calls for a dual strategy in justice reform: tackling immediate injustices within the legal system while also confronting the deeper societal structures that support and legitimize discrimination. Emphasizing justice reform as a public health priority, the research argues for a re-imagined criminal justice system devoted to equity, respect for human dignity, and sustained commitment to safeguarding individuals’ rights and holistic well-being. By doing so, the paper envisions a society wherein justice is not only a legal construct but a societal responsibility, one that recognizes the intersecting dimensions of social and psychological health in achieving true equity and fairness across communities.

Keywords :
Bail Reform, Counselling Psychology, Critical Race Theory, Distributive Justice, Intersectionality, Justice Reform, Mental Health, Procedural Justice, Racial Inequality, Systemic Injustice.

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