How does Bryan Stevenson describe the systematic issues within the criminal justice system?

Bryan Stevenson highlights that the issues within the criminal justice system are deeply intertwined with racial bias and economic inequality. He illustrates how people of color, particularly African Americans, are disproportionately affected by harsher sentencing, wrongful convictions, and lack of access to quality legal representation. Stevenson argues that these systemic issues are not only the result of individual prejudices but are embedded in the policies and practices of the criminal justice system itself. He addresses how poverty affects individuals’ ability to defend themselves adequately in court, leading to significant disparities in how justice is administered. By focusing on racial and economic structures, Stevenson emphasizes the need for reform that targets these root causes, rather than just the symptoms, of injustice. This perspective is foundational to his broader advocacy work, which seeks to promote a more equitable justice system for all.