Reiman’s Pyrrhic Defeat Theory and Criminal Justice System Failures
Reiman’s Pyrrhic Defeat Theory
The theory argues that the failure of the criminal justice system yields such benefits to those in positions of power that it amounts to a victory. Enormous amounts of money and resources allocated to the criminal justice system constitute a “failed” policy in that it diverts funds and attention away from the real sources of crime.
It suggests that the criminal justice system’s intentions are the very opposite of common expectations; it functions the way it does in order to create a specific image of crime.
Excuses for Criminal Justice System Failures
Here are some typical excuses given to “justify” the failures associated with the U.S. criminal justice system, and why those excuses do not hold up:
We Are Too Soft on Crime
On the contrary, the U.S. is one of the most punitive countries in the world. We have a high rate of incarceration, and we are the only advanced democracy that still has the death penalty. These characteristics indicate that we are far from being soft on crime.
Crime is a Natural Feature of Modern Society
This is not a valid excuse, as other complex, highly industrialized, and technologically advanced countries have much lower crime rates than the U.S.
Blame it on the Kids
(This point needs further elaboration to be properly addressed.)
The Criminal Justice System as a “Carnival Mirror”
Reiman’s notion of the criminal justice system as a “carnival mirror” suggests that the system focuses its efforts and energies on combating a specific type of crime while ignoring other, arguably more dangerous, crimes.
Specifically, crime control is primarily focused on the dangerous behavior of the poor (petty robbery, assault, etc.), while the dangerous behavior of the wealthy (pollution, union-busting, fraud, workplace injuries/deaths, etc.) is either ignored or legalized.
Prisons as a Source of Crime
Prisons and incarceration can often be a source of crime for several reasons:
- When prisoners are treated poorly, manipulated, and dehumanized, it creates resentment and anger rather than deterring crime. This can make it difficult for them to reintegrate into society, potentially leading them back to crime.
- Once someone has been to prison, they are labeled, and it becomes difficult to find a job or reintegrate into society. This can lead them to commit crimes to survive.
- Prisoners are often not trained in marketable skills, and they may find themselves in situations involving violence, joblessness, and substance abuse.
The Backfire Effect of Criminalizing Drug Use
Criminalizing drug use can sometimes backfire and do more harm than good:
- It keeps drug prices high, promoting further criminal behavior (e.g., addicts committing crimes to get money for drugs).
- It promotes corruption, even among law enforcement officials.
- It creates a situation where addicts concentrate solely on getting their “next fix.”
- It encourages drug users to become drug dealers/pushers.