Racial Disparities In Criminal Justice Essay

Crime is not a homogenous action. Criminals hail from a hodgepodge of backgrounds, socioeconomic classes, and demographics. Patterns, however, have been observed across the spectrum of offenders that predict those most likely to become culprits. These patterns often come in the form of disparities between social, racial, and gender groups. The racial, socioeconomic, and gender disparities inherent in the United States criminal justice system are particularly manifested in the courts, policing methods, and prisons. Examining the policies of foreign countries’ criminal justice systems can paint a picture of reform that spells an end to unequal treatment of America’s delinquents. First, racial disparities are seemingly inherent to the criminal

Men represent eight hundred ninety-six out of every one hundred thousand prison inmates, while women represent only fifty-six out of one hundred thousand. The rates have increased eight hundred percent since the war on drugs was initiated. Even among women prisoners, racial disparities are glaring. Hispanic and African American women have astronomically higher chances of incarceration than white women. Women are also more likely to be arrested for drug and economic crimes, such as possession or embezzlement (McGrath, 10/29). According to the chivalry hypothesis, the low rates of prosecuted female offenders reflect the leniency with which law enforcement treats women offenders (McGrath, 10/29). Gender differences in aggression and empathy play into the public perception of the ideal offender, and women do not fit the profile. Rather than applying the law equally across genders, police buy into the socially constructed view of women: meek, gentle, caring, empathic, and definitely not capable of cruel criminality (McGrath,

For instance, creating better prisons would not only decrease the overcrowding and recidivism rate but would also equalize the application of human rights and humanize offenders. Putting a face to convicts increases the chance of proper treatment. Five of the ten worst prisons in the world are found in America, and the worst rates of overcrowding are found in the Americas (McGrath, 10/27). In some Scandinavian countries, restructuring of prisons has produced a marked decrease in recidivism. The new prisons emphasize rehabilitation over punishment and concentrate their faculties on human rights, rather than oppression. These countries have seen a twenty-five percent decrease in repeat offender rates. Rather than serving as a years-long punitive state, these prisons release detainees with a better understanding of and respect for human life and the social customs protecting it (McGrath, 10/27). Many Western European nations also appoint judges and public prosecutors, rather than holding elections. The American process of elections drives candidates to seek public approval rather than administering justice. Public opinion often is polarized in favor of harsher sentences for minority offenders, and popularly elected officials will pander to voters (McGrath, 10/27). Politicizing the criminal justice system can lead to wrongful convictions and the application of public opinion to