Racism in the Criminal Justice System
Thesis Statement
American society has made significant steps in addressing racism in its processes and institutions. However, the increased cases of police brutality, violence, and bias towards minorities in the last decade show that racism is still prevalent in America, particularly in the criminal justice system. Examining the concept of implicit discrimination and the conduct of different actors in the criminal justice is crucial in understanding the role of law enforcement bodies, court processes and actors, and the media in reinforcing racial disparities, which contribute to the prevalence of racial attitudes in the criminal justice system.
Main Ideas
Police Departments and Racial attitudes
The high number of cases of police brutality, violence, and profiling against minority groups supports the existence of racial attitudes in the criminal justice system. The association of minority groups with criminal activities gives rise to a biased criminal justice institution (Crutchfield, Fernandes, & Martinez, 2010). For instance, racial attitudes in police departments contribute to the singling out of African-Americans in the criminal surveillance system.
Also, increased contact between law enforcement bodies and minority groups reinforces the pervasiveness of racial attitudes in the criminal justice system (Robertson & Adelman, 2017). Police surveillance programs target poor neighborhoods that are mostly occupied by minorities, which increases police contact with minorities.
Moreover, the differential treatment of minorities compared to whites supports the existence of racism in the criminal justice institution (Tonry, 2010). The perception that African-Americans are aggressive and violent attracts police departments to African-American neighborhoods. It also results in the use of violence and force when dealing with African-Americans than whites.
Criminal Judicial Processes and Racial Disparities
Racial perceptions influence criminal judicial and pre-trial processes. Racial stereotypes and the prevalence of implicit bias affect the sentencing outcomes of minority groups (Crutchfield, Fernandes, & Martinez, 2010). Also, the socioeconomic status and low academic qualifications among minorities contribute to their high representation in the criminal justice system. The lack of sufficient resources denies minorities an opportunity to acquire adequate pre-trial services and post bail. Also, low educational attainment prevents minorities from understanding the criminal justice process and decreases their bargaining power, which leaves them at the mercy of their attorneys.
Influence of Media in Supporting Racial Stereotypes
The media also plays an integral role in reinforcing racial stereotypes that contribute to racial inequalities in the criminal justice system (Robertson & Adelman, 2017). Individuals depend on the media to construct views on crimes since most people do not have direct contact with the institution. The depiction of minority groups as violent and aggressive contributes to the discriminate of the populations. Therefore, the way media outlets frame and portray minority groups influences social perceptions on crime and the criminal justice system.
Role of public policy
Racial perceptions affect public opinion on reforms in the criminal justice system. The depiction of minorities as aggressive and information that links crimes to minorities makes individuals reluctant of supporting criminal justice reforms. Therefore, alternative approaches, such as addressing implicit discrimination among actors in the criminal justice institution, informing the public on the underlying causes of racial bias, and its working in society could assist in addressing racism.
Three Sources
Crutchfield, R., Fernandes, A., & Martinez, J. (2010). Racial and Ethnic Disparity and Criminal Justice: How Much is Too Much?. The Journal Of Criminal Law And Criminology, 100(3), 903-932. doi: 10.2307/25766112
The article offers information on the prevalence of racism in the criminal justice system. It contributes to the argument of the influence of racial stereotypes on court outcomes and the high imprisonment rates among minorities.
Robertson, O., & Adelman, R. (2017). Race, ethnicity, and the American criminal justice system. Race and Justice, 1-20. doi: 10.1177/2153368717705961
The article examines the experience of different races with the criminal justice system. It supports the argument on police profiling and the differential treatment of minorities that increases police contact. It also reinforces the argument on the role of the media in upholding racial stereotypes that make reforms challenging.
Tonry, M. (2010). The social, psychological, and political causes of racial disparities in the American criminal justice system. Crime and Justice, 39(1), 273-312. doi: 10.1086/653045
The text explores the role of existing structures in reinforcing racial disparities. The article illustrates the varying opinions by individuals that make it difficult for public policy to reduce racial discrimination in the criminal justice system.
References
Crutchfield, R., Fernandes, A., & Martinez, J. (2010). Racial and Ethnic Disparity and Criminal Justice: How Much is Too Much?. The Journal Of Criminal Law And Criminology, 100(3), 903-932. doi: 10.2307/25766112
Robertson, O., & Adelman, R. (2017). Race, ethnicity, and the American criminal justice system. Race and Justice, 1-20. doi: 10.1177/2153368717705961
Tonry, M. (2010). The social, psychological, and political causes of racial disparities in the American criminal justice system. Crime and Justice, 39(1), 273-312. doi: 10.1086/653045
