Racial Discrimination in the Courts

Paper Summary:

The paper relates that minorities such as African-Americans and Hispanics continue to face racial discrimination in the United States courts. The paper discusses diversion and alternative programs as a solution to the prison overcrowding problem and looks at the recidivism rates relative to prison sentences. The paper maintains that the courts must re-examine the mandatory sentencing guidelines and consider the implementation of diversion systems so that all individuals may receive equal treatment.

Outline:
Introduction
Racial Discrimination
Minorities in the Prison System
Solutions to Combat Judicial Discrimination of Minorities
Diversion Programs
Diversion Programs and Recidivism Rates
Benefits of Diversion Programs
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"In the past few decades, the media has publicized the overcrowding of the United States prison system, raising concern among the families of prisoners, correctional facilities and government officials alike. Along with this overcrowding is the issue that the majority of the prison population consists of minorities, thus raising the debate regarding racial discrimination upheld by the court system. Prison-related research indicates that mandatory sentencing guidelines and a growing number of drug-related convictions are factors in a continued growth of inmates held in federal, state and local prisons and jails in the United States."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Albonetti, C. (1997). Sentencing under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines Effects of Defendant Characteristics, Guilty Pleas, and Departures on Sentence Outcomes for Drug Offenses, 1991-1992. Law& Society Review 31 (789).
• Altschuler, D., Armstrong, T. & MacKenzie, D. (1999). Reintegration, Supervised Release, and Intensive Aftercare. Juvenile Justice Bulletin, Washington, D.C.
• California Board of Corrections. (2002). Repeat Offender Prevention Program Final Report. Retrieved September 2, 2007 from http://www.bdcorr.ca.gov/cppd/ropp/Final percent20Evaluation percent20Report.pdf.
• Drug Policy Alliance. (2007). Mandatory Minimum Sentences. Retrieved July 23, 2007, from http://www.drugpolicy.org/drugwar/mandatorymin/.
• Drummond, M.F., Stoddart, G. L., & Torrance, G. W. (1994). Methods for theEconomic Evaluation of Health Care Programs. Oxford University Press.: N.Y.

More papers on Racial Discrimination in the Courts:

• Analytical Essay # 130536 : "Racial Discrimination in the Criminal Justice System"
• Term Paper # 100312 : "Racial Discrimination in the Criminal Justice System"
• Research Paper # 36834 : "Racial Discrimination"

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