This session analysis of the criminal justice system, law enforcement, judicial system and parole evoked a wealth of emotions from all of the class that was palpable. From my observations the majority of the class focused on the bias, the inequities and the failures of the justice system as a whole. I believe however, that a few students were more so proponents of the justice system yet failed to (at least loudly) articulate that stance during the group discussion. This dynamic was very much present within our group, during our discussion of the district attorney's office and their role within society. These diametrically opposed philosophies made true consensus within our small groups virtually impossible. That dynamic shut down true free flowing conversation. While a consensus was not reached, the interaction was both interesting and informative. I found myself drawn into the segment of the discussion that was focused on policing and the implicit and outright bias that exists within policing. This conversation took me to a place mentally where I found myself examining my personal encounters with law enforcement. All of which, except one was hostile, personally dangerous and frightening. This fear and perceived danger that is felt within interactions with law enforcement, by black people, is real and justified. As stated by Bryan Stevenson " I found Bureau of Justice statistics reporting that black men were eight times more likely to be killed by the police than whites". (J.M.p43)... Most young men and women lack the proper sophistication to safely navigate a police officer's bias, insecurities, or fear. This point is well stated by Bryan Stevenson "The more I thought about it the more concerned I became about all the young black boys in that neighborhood". " Did they know to stay calm and say, It's okay"? (J.M.p43).…

When the impact of the failures of the justice system, that are affecting the lives of prisoners, families and community are compounded by a lack of integrity and unbiased oversight within law enforcement and a lack of a quality of defense afforded to most defendants, the only possible outcome is the systemic oppression of mass incarceration. That has adversely affected the psyche, the health and the overall lives of countless women, men and communities... Those of us within society who are cognizant of the fundamental, structural bias, inequalities and flaws that permeate the justice system, have an obligation to act. We have a duty to vote, to mobilize, to sound the horn and to get off the sidelines and resist. Stated Succinctly by Brian Stevenson " You've got to keep beating the drum for justice ". (J.M.p46)... Section three: Reactions. After class, I experienced a confluence of emotions. I felt relieved that the class was over, due to the awkwardness of our group dynamic. I felt saddened that one of our group members, in my estimation was being overly critical of them self and that my attempts to lighten their mood was unsuccessful. These two emotions of relief and sadness were both real and visceral, however they were overpowered by the feeling of resignation that happens when I leave this classroom setting and return to what I call " prison realities ". Leaving a place of exploration, newness, hope and possibility, a place that is packed to capacity with inquisitive minds, only to return to the oppressively stagnant essence of prison, reminds one of their lot and position in life with alacrity... The next day, I had the opportunity to process all of what took place in class. Already I was fully engulfed within my prison routine and looking forward to next week's session. Gone was the sadness, the relief and resignation that I experienced the night before and back was the anticipation of what was to come. I felt and continue to feel confident in my ability to grow as a student and as a writer because of the grade and the comments that I received on my initial paper and because of my growing comfortability within these spaces of higher learning. I feel as though this experience with his class and this instructor (Lori Pompa), is a paradigm shift that I will forever be thankful for.