The Lockdown: How Drug War Powers the Machine

This set of flashcards highlights key vocabulary and concepts discussed in the lecture regarding the drug war and its impact on the justice system.

War on Drugs

A governmental campaign to reduce illegal drug trade.

Incarceration Explosion

The significant increase in the number of individuals imprisoned in the U.S due to drug policies.

Myths of Criminal Justice System

Common beliefs that the system protects public safety, removes dangerous people, responds to crime, and delivers justice.

Routine Low-Level Enforcement

The practice of targeting non-violent offenders, primarily for drug-related offenses.

Terry v. Ohio (1968)

Supreme Court case that allowed stop and frisk based on reasonable suspicion without a warrant.

Stop and Frisk

A procedure that permits police to stop and search individuals based on reasonable suspicion.

Probable Cause

A reasonable ground for making a search, pressing a charge, or obtaining a warrant.

Florida v. Bostick

A Supreme Court ruling addressing consent to search and whether individuals feel free to refuse.

Whren v. U.S.

A case establishing that the motivations of officers do not matter in legal stops for minor traffic violations.

Civil Asset Forfeiture

The practice where law enforcement can seize assets from individuals without requiring a conviction.

Indigent Defense Crisis

The overwhelming burden on public defenders handling large case loads that impacts defendants' right to fair representation.

Mandatory Minimums

Laws that set fixed prison sentences for specific crimes, removing discretion from judges.

Plea Deals

Agreements in which defendants plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lighter sentence.

The Snitching Economy

A system where cooperating with authorities can lead to reduced sentences, sometimes relying on false testimonies.

Felon Label

A designation that negatively impacts an individual's legal rights and opportunities after incarceration.

Structural Marginality

The enduring exclusion from societal opportunities faced by individuals with felony convictions.

No Knock Raids

Police operations where officers enter a premises without prior notice, often leading to dangerous situations.

Militarization of Policing

The increased use of military equipment and tactics by law enforcement agencies.

Courtroom Lockdown

The control exerted by prosecutors over the trial process, often leading to unfounded pleas.

Racial Profiling

The discriminatory practice of targeting individuals for suspicion based on their race or ethnicity.

Technical Violations

Minor infractions of parole or probation terms that can lead to re-incarceration.

Prisoner Re-entry Problems

The challenges individuals face when reintegrating into society after incarceration.

Surveillance Societies

Communities under constant monitoring, typically affecting marginalized populations.

Incentives in Policing

Financial motivations that lead law enforcement agencies to prioritize certain types of arrests.

Legal, Institutional Setup

The structural framework that allows for mass arrests in drug-related offenses.

Public Safety Myths

Beliefs about the criminal justice system's effectiveness in ensuring community safety.

Drug Possession Charges

Criminal charges related to the illegal possession of controlled substances.

Trafficking vs. Possession

Trafficking involves distribution and sales, while possession pertains to personal use of drugs.

Justice System's Failures

The notion that the criminal justice system often fails to achieve its stated goals.

Prison Admission Rates

Statistics indicating how many individuals enter prison, often influenced by parole violations.

Society's Exile

The permanent marginalization faced by felons, limiting their opportunities for reintegration.

Efforts to Reform

Movements aimed at changing the punitive aspects of the criminal justice system.

Community Targeting

The practice of policing practices that disproportionately affect specific communities.

Drug Enforcement Incentives

Monetary rewards for law enforcement agencies based on drug arrest volume.

Fear in Criminal Justice

The environment of intimidation and uncertainty perpetuated by stringent laws and enforcement.

Overcharging Practices

The strategy of filing multiple charges against a defendant to coerce guilty pleas.

Innovative Policing Techniques

New methods employed by law enforcement to enhance drug-related arrests.

Lack of Legal Support

The insufficient legal representation available for defendants, particularly in public defense.

Excessive Case Loads

The overwhelming number of cases managed by public defenders, impacting case quality.

Constant Surveillance Effects

The repercussions of ongoing monitoring of certain populations leading to erosion of privacy.