Between the election process, the media fixation on bad news, and peoples’ natural tendency to complain—many ask the question: is the U.S. worse today in comparison to the past?

I can’t answer for everyone, but let me give you my own experience as a trial lawyer for over 30 years and the condition of the criminal justice system.  There are several points to make:

1.  Crime Levels.  When I started working in the courts violent crime was at an all-time high.  (1980’s)  Levels like that hadn’t been experienced in America since the gangland killings during prohibition by organized crime families.  By the 1980’s the crime levels were high and two groups of Americans were flooding the criminal justice system:  African Americans and Native Americans.  Is the U.S. worse today in comparison to the 1980’s?  According to FBI statistics, crime levels have fallen in half (or less) from the high levels of the 1980’s.  And it is very rare for a Native American person to enter the criminal justice system today.
2. Fairness.  The criminal justice system is, today, more fair to all Americans.  Here’s an example.  In the 80’s potential jurors were selected from only voting lists.  The jury pool was all white and older—in spite of the fact most accused people were African American and Native American.  Surely not a “jury of their peers” as the Constitution mandates.  Is the U.S. worse today in comparison?  Today, a variety of methods are used to find potential jurors so that the people on juries look like the accused and the jurors come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.  Surely a more fair and effective way of trying cases.
3. Representative of America.  The criminal justice system has become one of the most diverse places in the country—which matches the increased diversity we see at the local grocery stores all the time.  This has improved the system for everyone.  When I started working as a lawyer, there was one African American judge (out of 60+), and two women.  The prosecutor’s office had one African American and about five women (out of 100+) lawyers.  Is the U.S. worse today in comparison?  Today in Minneapolis, the bench has representation from all races, gender, sexual orientation, and almost all religions.  Even if you don’t see value in diversity, don’t you think this more accurately and fairly represents our community?
4. Maybe your work experience is similar to mine.  Today, I work with a variety of people I would never have imagined working with and have also become friends with them.  I know my life has been enriched and that I’m a better person with more to contribute to my community as a result.
5. The U.S. still has problems (always will since we’re human!), but when you ask the question, is the U.S. worse today, my answer is no.