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Essay On Racial Disparities In Sentencing

1268 Words6 Pages

The social issue I have chosen to focus on is the problem of violent crime and the inequalities and disparities in sentencing. This issue is rooted in systemic racial inequalities, which can result in harsher sentences for individuals from marginalized communities who are convicted of violent crimes such as murder. There is a growing body of research that highlights the need for reform within the criminal justice system to address these disparities and ensure that all individuals are treated fairly and justly. The history of racial disparity in the criminal justice system in the U.S. has been longstanding.
The relationship between the cultural beliefs and biases identified in my PowerPoint and the social issue of racial inequalities in sentencing …show more content…

Members of the judicial system, such as judges and lawyers, play a crucial role in addressing the issue. Lawyers provide legal counsel and representation to their clients, including those accused of crimes, and can work to ensure that their clients receive fair treatment within the criminal justice system. Judges, on their part, are responsible for making sentencing decisions and have the power to address disparities in sentencing. This understanding can help us to identify the root causes of the problem and develop effective strategies to address it. For example, by recognizing the impact of systemic racial inequalities on sentencing decisions, we can work towards implementing reforms within the criminal justice system to ensure that all individuals are treated fairly and justly. Additionally, by acknowledging the role of lawyers and judges in addressing the issue, we can support efforts to provide better legal representation and reduce biases in sentencing decisions. Understanding these social roles can help us to better address the issue and work towards creating a more just and equitable …show more content…

I mentioned that the bond for the man who murdered my son was lowered by half so his family could afford to pay it. Socioeconomic status can also play a role in sentencing disparities, with individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds having less access to quality legal representation, which can impact the outcome of their cases. This can result in harsher sentences for those who cannot afford high-quality legal counsel. By recognizing the systemic racial and economic biases within the criminal justice system, we can work towards addressing these disparities and ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly and

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Kamalu, Ngozi Caleb, Margery Coulson-Clark, and Nkechi Margaret Kamalu. " Racial Disparities in Sentencing: Implications for the Criminal Justice System and the African American Community." African Journal of Criminology and Justice Studies: AJCJS 4.1 (2010): 1-31. ProQuest.

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This research proposal is purposed at investigating the disparities and the variables that contribute to the gaps in sentencing men and women

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