Structural racism reflected in the socio-educational system of the Federal District and the role of the Public Defense service

Abstract

: This study sought to analyze the determinants of race and class in the formation of the population of young people and adolescents who experience the socio-educational system of the Federal District in Brazil. For this purpose, the qualitative method was the research method of choice, while analyzing the data available both nationally and at the district level and checking internal data from the Legal Assistance Center in the department of Execution of Social-Educational Measures of the Federal District Public Defender's Service. Afterward, this work discussed the concept of structural racism, mainly based on Silvio Almeida’s literature. With this information, it was possible to observe that, as in the other territories of Brazil, the Federal District Judiciary System punishes mainly young black people, born and raised in slums marked with extreme vulnerabilities that are determinant for these teenagers committing most infractions against property or patrimony. The Public Defender's Service is primarily responsible for providing legal assistance and monitoring these young people daily while dealing directly with them and their families. As it reflects a structural problem, the punishment of individuals is not capable of modifying the factors that will lead other young people with a similar profile to remain part of or enter the criminal context. Ultimately, this work is expected to collaborate with other studies in the same field of knowledge to inspire public policies focused on removing black and peripheral young people from a context of vulnerability, while avoiding new infractions, and contributing to the quality of legal assistance offered to young people.