Physical beatings such as torture and death were common sights during early periods as styles of punishment for those who disobeyed the laws in a society (Foucault 5). Eventually, as human rights reached broader parameters, these methods became less used as the justice system had to adapt to the world around them. Monetary sanctions are a type of criminal sentence imposed by state courts that include fines, fees and restitution. Until these dues are paid in full, these individuals remain under the supervision of the courts and subject to court summons, arrest warrants and prison time. As a result of the interest that accumulates on these unpaid fines, many offenders become subject to a permanent debt that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. This new method of punishment allows the justice system to control people while keeping them in society and physically unharmed. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Given that most people who receive sentences of any size in the United States are black and/or poor, with insignificant employment and income before or after conviction. The imposition of these financial penalties cements people to a life of poverty and reinforces racial and income inequities. This closely resembles the ideas of race theory, as those at the top are using these fines to suppress the ability of individuals of color. Because the cost of incarceration and courts is so high, they have passed these costs onto offenders to alleviate the negative impact on the state. As a result, since most defendants are poor or unemployed, this leads to them having debts throughout their lives. Furthermore, if these payments are not repaid in full, they risk the possibility of receiving warrants, suspension of their driver's license, loss of voting rights, and perhaps most severely, incarceration (Harris 57). This new wave of punishment used as cheaper incarceration has only increased year after year. From traffic stops to court fines, the government finds new ways to take money out of people's pockets for its own benefit. In fact, in addition to financial gain, it limits who can receive benefits from the government. By issuing warrants defendants run the risk of losing their ability to keep or obtain welfare benefits or jobs, which is a major problem that most conservative leaders would like to see absent (Edin & Lein 20). Shortcomings at every level of government put pressure on public entities to cut costs or provide revenue, thus financial penalties were created. Due to the mass incarceration seen throughout the 1900s, the government needed new ways to punish people, as the cost of criminal justice was too great. Therefore, imposing fees accompanied by interest and surcharges on violators has become the direction the judicial system has turned. Benefiting financially, these dues also incarcerated individuals as they were under the jurisdiction of the courts until they completed payment. Although these LFOs, or legal financial obligations, are seen around the world, I have not been able to find extensive information on how or why other countries use them. However, through a study by Alexes Harris of the UW, it was seen that states with higher volumes of diversity and high cost of living, such as California and Seattle, are among the top places in imposing costly fines (Harris 102). Demographic characteristics such as race,.