One of the most controversial discussions in America is, or should be, ex-convict injustices.

Ex-convicts have easily faced one of the hardest comebacks in America. From being convicted to going to jail, it is extremely hard to get your life back on track. Most jobs will look past an ex-convict’s application or give them a harder interview process for the simple fact that they are convicts, no matter how miniscule the charge.

Throughout the country, thousands of people are refused employment or denied an interview based on checkingn a box. Although it is reasonable for a business to deny employment to violent criminals, many people have criminal records for non-violent offenses. For many, the criminal justice system offers people a chance for change, and this may not be the case for some, but each case is independent. It is unfair for all ex-convicts to be placed in the same category.

Asking about past criminal records can be controversial because some cases of conviction should not be life-ending and possibility-deferring. People in jail as a result of drug possession, marijuana possession/use or involuntary manslaughter should not be stripped of their chances of re-doing their lives after jail time has been served. Non-violent or accidental criminal charges are unlikely to affect others’ lives and should not haunt those convicted after they have done their time. Jail time is essentially supposed to be criminals’ redemption and consequence, hence, “can’t do the time, don’t do the crime.” Some crimes are only deserving of that consequence and nothing more, meaning they should be granted a chance to start over or at least fix their already messy lives.

However, while some criminals should be granted forgiveness and given chances at new lives, others absolutely do not.  Criminals who have ruined others’ lives should not be given chances to start over. Their victims do not receive the same chance, so why should they?

Criminals who have been found guilty of crimes such as murder, rape or child pornography do not deserve new chances at life. They should not be given redemption nor forgiveness for their actions, as they have ruined the lives of others. The only redemption any victims of rape get is their rapists going to jail. The families of those murdered will never fully recover and will resent whoever lets their loved ones murderer out. Criminals who have cost others’ their lives should not get new passes at life.

This being said, the “criminal record” box on applications should not be removed. It should not always affect one’s ability at employment and should perhaps be further on in the application process and/or be much more detailed. Criminals who are convicted of minimal crimes should be able to start over. Criminals who have cost others their lives should not have that chance.

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