Criminal justice professionals seek to serve citizens. This focus on service requires a more nuanced approach to understanding citizen problems. If in the past, the criminal justice system seemed to view crime as a simple either-or choice, contemporary society has highlighted the complexity behind the choices that citizens make. Understanding those choices requires empathy, which in turn requires understanding the viewpoints and biases all professionals bring to their fieldsincluding your own.

How much consideration should be given to a person's background or life circumstances when decisions are made at critical points in the criminal justice system (e.g., decision to arrest, specific charges, decision to prosecute, sentencing, re-entry plan)? Can you provide a reflection response with references?