Changing The Way We Dialogue About Justice Reform

Law 360 Opinion Editorial

https://www.law360.com/articles/1216449/changing-the-way-we-dialogue-about-justice-reform

A recent opinion piece in The Hill by DeAnna Hoskins[1] states that there is a missed opportunity to change how the country sees the justice system reform efforts due to the language being used to discuss it; and I agree.

To use terminology such as “inmate,” “offender,” “convict,” “felon,” “criminals” — even with the “ex” — invokes despair, and despair leads to the loss of hope, and the loss of hope leads to depression. This negative language is impactful regardless of whether it comes from public, private or philanthropic sectors.