American Justice

Jacksonville is a city in Duval Country, Florida. It is nestled deep in the Republican heartland of the state and is well-known for its tough approach to justice and punishment, which is perhaps necessary when it is also known as the `Murder Capital of Florida'. This documentary series offers a rare, broad examination of the criminal justice system, with complete access to locations such as the city courthouse, the sheriff's office, the county jail, and the offices of the public defender and the state prosecutor. Every day these institutions face ethical, moral and legal dilemmas, and the consequences of these decisions are explored alongside the stories of a number of defendants. Examining the criminal justice process in this one city allows for a greater exploration of the larger issues confronting the U.S., such as gun laws, mass incarceration, poverty and race.