The Future of American Justice: A Closer Look

Dr. Chelsea McGee

So today, we're diving into a major shift in the criminal justice system. Earlier this year, the Michigan Supreme Court made a bold and, honestly, long-overdue decision: they banned mandatory life sentences for young adults aged 19 and 20. Now, you may be wondering, why this age group? Why now? Well, let me tell you, it's all about what we’re learning—what science is teaching us—about the brain.

Dr. Chelsea McGee

You see, research on brain development has been clear for years now. The parts of the brain that govern impulse control, decision-making, and risk assessment? They aren’t fully mature until at least the mid-20s. So when someone in this age range commits a crime—a serious one, of course—their capacity for rehabilitation becomes a critical factor. And this isn’t just conjecture or theory. This is science helping us rethink how we define accountability. I mean, let’s face it. People at that age are still, in many ways, figuring themselves out, right?

Dr. Chelsea McGee

Justice Richard Bernstein, one of the key voices on this case, made a point that really stuck with me. He said these sentences should focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. And I think he’s onto something here. Because what we’ve seen, historically, is a system that kind of leans heavily on retribution, locking people away without asking whether that’s the best move for society, long-term. This ruling marks a break from that pattern.

Dr. Chelsea McGee

And, by the way, this shift mirrors a broader trend we’re starting to see across the country. Public attitudes toward criminal justice are evolving. There’s this gradual recognition that punitive measures, especially for young people, aren’t working. They don’t address the root causes of crime; they just perpetuate cycles of harm. Honestly, it’s refreshing to see this tide turning, even if it’s not happening as quickly as we’d like.

Dr. Chelsea McGee

What’s particularly fascinating is that other states are watching this closely. There are already talks in jurisdictions nationwide about adopting similar reforms. And that’s where it gets really interesting—the potential ripple effects. This isn’t just a Michigan issue anymore. It's becoming a justice issue, period. And, as we’ve seen so many times, when one state starts to challenge the status quo, others will either follow... or defend why they’re sticking to old ways.

Dr. Chelsea McGee

Alright, let’s talk about a monumental change that’s making waves—Illinois has just become the first state to completely eliminate cash bail. This step is part of their Pretrial Fairness Act, and it’s throwing some serious spotlight onto our justice system. Now, on paper, this sounds like a huge win for equity. I mean, think about it—how many people have been stuck in jail simply because they couldn’t afford bail? It really makes you wonder, doesn’t it?

Dr. Chelsea McGee

But here’s where it gets tricky. Supporters of this reform argue that cash bail discriminates against marginalized communities, criminalizing poverty. And they have a point—a pretty strong one, actually. Imagine being innocent but spending weeks or even months behind bars because you couldn’t pay a few hundred bucks. That’s months of lost wages, strained relationships, and, frankly, a ripple effect that’s impossible to fully quantify. It’s kind of heartbreaking, honestly.

Dr. Chelsea McGee

Now, of course, no reform comes without criticism. Opponents are quick to point out concerns around public safety—will this lead to more crime, they ask? Will dangerous offenders slip through the cracks? These are valid questions, and you know, I think it’s fair, fair for people to feel uneasy about uncharted territory. The fear of what might happen next can’t just be dismissed outright.

Dr. Chelsea McGee

What’s interesting, though, is how this isn’t just an Illinois thing. Other states are watching closely, some considering similar moves, others doubling down on bail systems as they are. And honestly, this highlights such a fundamental divide in our national approach to justice. Are we prioritizing safety? Fairness? Can we even achieve both? Because when we say ‘justice for all,’ but the poorest among us get the harshest penalties, doesn’t something seem... off?

Dr. Chelsea McGee

And you know, this isn’t happening in a vacuum. We’ve seen similar reforms in cities like New York, where changes to bail laws stirred up intense debates. Did those reforms lower the pretrial jail population? Absolutely. But did crime statistics change in a way that reshaped public perception? Not so simple, right? This kind of justice shift has layers—layers tied to people’s sense of safety, fairness, and trust in the system overall.

Dr. Chelsea McGee

What I find intriguing—really intriguing—is how these changes might affect incarceration trends and, even bigger, the racial disparities in the justice system. The data suggests that if we can get this right, we might actually see fewer people locked up unnecessarily. But can we strike that balance? Accountability on one hand, fairness on the other—it’s like walking a tightrope, you know?

Dr. Chelsea McGee

So, let’s shift gears and address something at the heart of national conversations lately—justice reform. There’s this undeniable push for change coming from the public, an insistence on accountability without compromising safety. You kind of feel it, right? Polls across the board are showing that Americans are, well, done with one-sided measures that either focus solely on retribution or are seen as, you know, too lenient. The public wants balance, and honestly? It’s about time. Let's take a look at this inspiring clip of a five-time felon turned lawyer and now state representative in Washington State as an example of best-case scenario of Justice Reform. Play this clip.

Dr. Chelsea McGee

What’s fascinating are these pilot programs popping up in communities. They’re breaking away from the traditional, punitive approaches to policing. Instead, there’s this shift toward addressing root causes of crime through things like mental health initiatives and alternative policing methods. I mean, think about it. If the problem is untreated PTSD or substance use, does throwing someone behind bars really address that? These programs are daring—daring to ask smarter questions, right?

Dr. Chelsea McGee

And then, you have states like California and Colorado where the political landscape is, let’s say, really dynamic. Voters in these states are making it clear they value safety, but they’re also showing support for progressive reforms. This duality—it’s a tension that kind of mirrors the conflict many of us feel personally. We want safe neighborhoods, of course, but at the same time, we can’t ignore the humanity of people affected by systemic inequities. And these contrasts? They’re shaping the debate in real time.

Dr. Chelsea McGee

California, for instance, has long been known as a hotbed for criminal justice experimentation. It’s sort of a proving ground for new policies. And Colorado? That state’s surge of tough-on-crime voter support is suggesting a kind of pendulum swing—maybe even resistance to reforms perceived as too lenient. But here’s the thing: neither of these paths exists in a vacuum. Policy changes ripple beyond the states that implement them, sparking debates about what can and should be done nationwide.

Dr. Chelsea McGee

What these examples show us is just how complex justice reform really is. It’s not as simple as tough versus lenient—it’s about people, outcomes, and the values driving our laws. And these dynamics? They’re placing reform efforts squarely in the spotlight, forcing us to confront the question: Can justice truly be redefined in a way that brings us together?

Dr. Chelsea McGee

Alright, that wraps up today’s episode of The Real 4 one one. I want to take a moment to personally thank each and every one of you for tuning in and for being part of this journey with me. Honestly, it means more than I can say. Your support—your time, your engagement—it’s what allows us to make conversations like these possible.

Dr. Chelsea McGee

If you found value in today’s discussion, and I really hope you did, please don’t forget to drop us a comment, follow us on all our social accounts, and let us know what topics you want to hear about next. Your feedback? It’s—it’s kind of like fuel for this platform, the key to keeping us responsive to what matters most to you.

Dr. Chelsea McGee

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Dr. Chelsea McGee

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Dr. Chelsea McGee

So, on that note, thank you again for being here, for caring, and for being curious. Because remember—the story is never just the headline. Until next time... stay informed, stay bold, and stay real.