What Happens After a Death in One of America’s Worst Jails – The Marshall Project

Analysis of Ohio’s Criminal Justice System in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: Institutional Failures and the Imperative for SDG 16

An examination of recent events within Ohio’s criminal justice system reveals significant challenges to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 16, which calls for peace, justice, and strong institutions. Incidents at the local and state levels, particularly concerning in-custody deaths and official misconduct, underscore a critical need for more effective, accountable, and transparent institutions as outlined in SDG Target 16.6.

Case Study: In-Custody Deaths at Cuyahoga County Jail

Violations of SDG 3 and SDG 16

The Cuyahoga County jail, previously identified by a U.S. Marshals Service investigation as one of the nation’s most problematic facilities, serves as a critical case study. Since 2018, 24 individuals have died while in the jail’s custody. These events represent a severe failure to uphold SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by not ensuring the safety and health of incarcerated persons. Furthermore, the systemic issues and lack of resolution for families highlight a profound deficit in institutional accountability, directly contravening the principles of SDG 16.

The consequences of these systemic failures have led to:

• An erosion of public trust in justice institutions.
• Multiple lawsuits and investigations at the state and federal levels.
• Persistent concerns regarding the lack of transparency and accountability for affected families and the public.

Promoting Accountability through Public Information

In an effort to promote transparency, The Marshall Project has compiled a report detailing the official procedures and public records that should be generated when a person dies in jail custody. This initiative supports SDG Target 16.10 (Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms) by empowering citizens and civil society to demand accountability from government agencies.

Systemic Challenges to Justice and Equality Across Ohio

Barriers to SDG 10 and SDG 16

Several other incidents across Ohio demonstrate widespread challenges to achieving reduced inequalities (SDG 10) and ensuring equal access to justice for all (SDG Target 16.3).

• Correctional Officer Misconduct: A correctional officer in Lorain County Jail has been indicted on felony charges for injuring a handcuffed individual, pointing to a need for greater accountability within correctional institutions to fulfill the mandate of SDG 16.
• Judicial Misconduct: A Sandusky County judge faces accusations of sexual misconduct. Such allegations undermine the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary, which is a cornerstone of a strong institution under SDG 16.
• Disparities in Legal Representation: The Montgomery County Public Defender’s Office has filed a class action lawsuit citing significant pay disparities with the county prosecutor’s office. This issue directly impacts SDG Target 16.3, as adequately funded public defense is essential for ensuring equal access to justice and reducing inequalities (SDG 10) for vulnerable populations.
• Intersection of Immigration and Criminal Justice: The launch of the “Immigration Nation” newsletter highlights the complex challenges faced by migrants within the criminal justice system, a key concern for SDG 10, which aims to empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of origin or migrant status.

The Role of Journalism and Public Discourse in Advancing the SDGs

Fostering Transparency and Institutional Strength

The work of non-profit news organizations like The Marshall Project is vital for monitoring progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. By focusing on the criminal justice system, such organizations contribute directly to the objectives of SDG 16.

1. Investigative Reporting: In-depth coverage of local justice systems, such as in Cleveland, provides the oversight necessary to identify and address institutional failures.
2. Public Engagement: Public forums, like the one scheduled at the City Club of Cleveland, facilitate dialogue between journalists, the public, and stakeholders, fostering a more informed and engaged citizenry capable of holding institutions accountable.
3. Access to Information: By creating platforms for news and discussion, these initiatives ensure that the public has access to critical information, a fundamental component of SDG Target 16.10.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The primary SDG addressed in the article is:

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. The article’s core focus is on the failures within the criminal justice system, specifically deaths in custody at the Cuyahoga County jail. It discusses investigations, lack of accountability, systemic failures, public trust, and the role of journalism in holding institutions accountable. These themes are central to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the text, several targets under SDG 16 are relevant:

1. Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • The article directly addresses this target by highlighting the “rash of deaths in 2018” and stating that “24 people have died in the jail since 2018.” Deaths in state custody are a form of violence and a failure to protect life, which this target aims to reduce.
2. Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • This target is addressed through the mention of “lawsuits and investigations on the state and national levels” resulting from the jail deaths. Furthermore, the class action lawsuit filed by the Montgomery County Public Defender’s Office over “pay disparities” directly concerns the ability to provide adequate legal defense, which is a cornerstone of ensuring equal access to justice.
3. Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • The article points to a lack of institutional effectiveness and accountability by citing “ongoing concerns over systemic failures” in the Cuyahoga County jail. The work of The Marshall Project, as described, is to use investigative journalism to shed light on these failures and push for more transparent and accountable criminal justice systems.
4. Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements.
   • This target is central to the article’s purpose. The Marshall Project provides an “explainer on what government agencies are required to do when a person dies in jail custody and how you can use public records to better understand the system.” This directly promotes public access to information as a tool for accountability.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions or implies several indicators:

• For Target 16.1: The article provides a direct quantitative indicator.
  • Indicator (related to 16.1.2 – Conflict-related deaths): The number of deaths in custody. The article states, “In all, 24 people have died in the jail since 2018.” This figure serves as a direct measure of violence and death within a state institution.
• For Target 16.3: The article implies an indicator related to the use of legal mechanisms.
  • Indicator (related to 16.3.3 – Proportion of population who accessed a formal dispute resolution mechanism): The filing of lawsuits. The text mentions that the deaths have “led to lawsuits” and specifically notes a “class action lawsuit” filed by public defenders. The existence and number of such lawsuits indicate that people are accessing formal justice systems to address grievances.
• For Target 16.6: The article implies an indicator related to public perception.
  • Indicator (related to 16.6.2 – Proportion of population satisfied with their last experience of public services): The level of public trust. The article states that the deaths “have also shaken public trust,” implying a low level of public satisfaction and trust in the jail system as a public institution.
• For Target 16.10: The article’s entire premise supports an indicator for this target.
  • Indicator (related to 16.10.2 – Number of countries that adopt and implement… guarantees for public access to information): The availability and use of public records. The article’s explainer on “how you can use public records” shows the implementation of policies that allow for public access to information, a key measure for this target.

4. Summary of Findings

Source: themarshallproject.org