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  • Essay / Monetary Manipulation: Punishment by Money

    Physical beatings such as torture and death were common sights during early periods as a means of punishing those who disobeyed the laws of a society (Foucault 5) . Eventually, as human rights reached broader parameters, these methods became less used as the justice system had to adapt to the world around it. Monetary penalties are a type of criminal sanction imposed by state courts that include fines, fees, and restitution. Until these contributions are fully paid, these individuals remain under court supervision and subject to summons, arrest warrants and prison sentences. Due to the interest accrued on these unpaid penalties, many offenders find themselves saddled with permanent debts that will last for the rest of their lives. This new method of punishment allows the justice system to control people while keeping them in society and physically unharmed. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay given that the majority of people who are convicted in any way in the United States are colored and/or poor, with insignificant employment and income. or after a conviction. Imposing these monetary penalties cements people into a life of poverty and reinforces racial and income inequalities. This is very similar to the ideas of race theory, as those at the top use these fines to suppress the abilities of individuals of color. Because the cost of incarceration and the courts is so high, they have charged these expenses to offenders in order to lessen the negative impact on the state. Consequently, since the majority of defendants are poor or unemployed, they find themselves in debt for the rest of their lives. Additionally, if these payments are not fully repaid, they risk receiving arrest warrants, driver's license suspension, loss of voting rights, and perhaps most burdensome, incarceration (Harris 57) . This new wave of sanctions, used as a less costly incarceration, has only intensified from year to year. From traffic stops to court fines, the government is finding new ways to take money out of people's pockets so they can benefit themselves. Because along with financial gain, it limits who can receive government benefits. By issuing arrest warrants, defendants run the risk of losing the ability to keep or obtain welfare benefits or jobs, a major problem most conservative leaders wish were absent (Edin and Lein 20). Shortages at every level of government put pressure on public institutions to reduce costs or generate revenue, so monetary sanctions were created. Due to the mass incarceration seen throughout the 1900s, the government needed new ways to punish people because the cost of criminal justice was too high. Therefore, the imposition of fees with interest and surcharges on violators became the direction in which the justice system turned. Benefiting from a financial benefit, these assessments also incarcerated the individuals as they were under the jurisdiction of the courts until they made payment. Although these LFOs, or legal financial obligations, are seen around the world, I have not been able to find enough information on how or why other countries use them. them. However, a study by Alexes Harris of the UW shows that states with more.