The federal government says it wants to transform – not just reform – the criminal justice system, “to ensure that it is just, compassionate and fair, and promotes a safe, peaceful and prosperous Canadian society.” It is a familiar theme in the news and in policy research that certain Canadians are disproportionately represented in our prisons – Black Canadians, Indigenous people and individuals suffering from mental illness are key examples.

This feature series of articles brings together experts to look at the criminal justice system from different perspectives, with an eye toward a more comprehensive approach. The criminal justice system cannot be examined in isolation – a wider lens should be applied to see how other social programs intersect with it, and how some people wind up falling through gaps and into trouble with the law.

Financial support for this series was provided in part by the Department of Justice Canada.

Photo: Shutterstock/By Rawpixel.com