Therefore, many who are incarcerated view the criminal justice system as inherently unfair, with laws which favor the rich and penalize the poor. Experience has taught our students that people who are poor cannot afford good lawyers , and court-appointed attorneys will rarely work hard to protect the rights of their clients. When a legal system ceases to be viewed as legitimate, the seeds of revolution are planted. Throughout history, U.S. History included, we can see the negative results of an unequal distribution of wealth and power. In my opinion, the explosion of crime in the late eighties was a direct result of the lack of understanding in our country with regard to people in the lower socio-economic class at that time.
Correctional educators are most effective when they understand the population they are teaching.
Once the students' viewpoint is understood, the teacher can then use history and literature to help students discover for themselves the alternatives that exist for them. It is important to keep an open mind, really listen to what they are saying, and model critical thinking skills for them. I would like to make one final comment related to economics. The prison expansion in Texas has been good for the economy of Texas. It has provided jobs and consumed goods.