* Please see file attached started with sections * Problem Statement: Evaluate a social problem (already stated in the file) and how it impacts the criminal justice system in the United States. Outlin
Running Head: OUTLINE 0
Outline: Disparity in Sentencing between Races
Anubys Swartz
CRJ312: Crime and Society
Amber Anderson
July 14, 2020
Outline: Disparity in Sentencing between Races
Problem Statement:
Disparities in sentencing between Whites and people of color.
Introduction
The most significant problem in the US today is systematic racism. Is systematic racism the factor for disparities in sentencing between whites and the people of color in our criminal justice system? Many cases studies have been presented where they underline Blacks and Hispanics make up the highest percentage of the population in prison. “African-American adults are 5.9 times as likely to be incarcerated than whites and Hispanics are 3.1 times as likely” (U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2018). The vast majority of incarcerated are people of color potentially impacting the communities. This paper will focus on the current problem, the implications, and solutions to the differences in criminal sentencing between Whites and people of color.
Outline: Describe the individual, social, and criminal justice system implications of this problem. Discussion of implications should be supported by accurate research data.
An implication associated with the disparities in sentencing between Whites and people of color is racial discrimination. Due to biases, plea bargaining, and racial profiling people of color are disproportionately in the prison system. “A further review of the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Statistics NCJ 192929 shows that 592,462 persons were held in local-city and county jails. Of these, 347,600 were African American, Hispanic or other. The African American population alone, accounted for 244,000, (41.2%), whereas the white population accounted for 41.3% of the population” (Department of Justice Bureau of Statistics, 2004). The social class suffers a significant impact as the families in these communities are being affected due to the associated incarceration of people of colors. Most families of people of color with an absent father are less likely to become productive citizens due to a significant amount of men of color incarcerated. “According to this perspective, poverty, dilapidated housing, a lack of social services, high residential turnover, poor education and economic opportunities create an environment that breeds criminal behavior. (Collica & Furst, 2012).
Summarize what experts say about the problem.
Explain what we, as a society, have done to remedy this problem. Consider public policies and other, less formal responses.
Disparity can be reduced by providing knowledge required to render sentences in accordance with the factors relevant to the sentencing system. Also, providing defendants with the proper defense. Perhaps, a lesson in history along with sensitivity training for the judges and attorneys should be a prerequisite for practicing law. Further, civic classes in public school must address the rights of the individual, with an emphasis on due process and the right of the individual to go to trial, especially when wrongfully accused (Kamalu, Coulson-Clark & Kamalu, 2010).
Analyze to what extent public policies and other, less formal responses are effective in addressing this problem.
Propose an alternative solution to the problem.
Analyze why the alternative is, or can be, an effective response to the problem. Remember to consider negative consequences of the alternative response.
Conclude with your thoughts about your chosen social problem. This is a good place to include personal opinions, assuming you wish to share them in a research paper.
Annotated Bibliography of Reference List
References List
Collica, K. & Furst, G. (2012). Crime & society. Retrieved from https://content.ashford.edu
Department of Justice Bureau of Statistics (2004)- WWW.OJP.Usdoj.gov.
Kamalu, N. C., Coulson-Clark, M., & Kamalu, N. M. (2010). Racial Disparities in Sentencing: Implications for the Criminal Justice System and the African American Community. African Journal of Criminology & Justice Studies, 4(1), 1–31. (this is a very good source to use for more information)
