"Race, Crime and the Law"

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the views and opinions of author Randall Kennedy, a Harvard law professor, regarding the correlation between crime and race. This paper explores Kennedy's argument which states that the field of law enforcement in America is largely considered racist, especially by the African-American community. This paper analyzes the results of an investigation carried out by the author, which focuses on the issue of racial inequality in the justice system, which is largely overlooked. Kennedy's in-depth book details the numerous problems in the justice system, while also suggesting solutions. This paper delves into Kennedy's assertion that officials in law enforcement must be forced to respect the rules prohibiting racial misconduct, while also stating that police and prosecutors engaged in illegitimate racial practices must be deterred from continuing to do so. The writer of this paper also reviews the author's particular style of writing, which, in the case of this book, appeals mainly to a white audience.

From the Paper:

"It must also be noted that Kennedy does not ignore serious issues of racial discrimination. However, he does frame them so the problems seem to be a result of a system or of the individuals in that system, rather than of society itself. A good example is seen where Kennedy describes abuse of power. Kennedy describes how police officers and judges can abuse their power and engage in racial misconduct. The abuse of power occurs because they are able to engage in this behavior unchecked. The emphasis is placed on controlling the behavior of those in power and maintaining standards. Kennedy argues that if standards and control are not maintained, then people can abuse their power without consequence of any action being taken. This creates a situation where complete control is lost, with this extending to problems greater than just racist behavior."

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