Crime and Prejudice in the U.S.

Paper Summary:

The paper examines literature and statistics and clearly shows that there is an over-representation of minorities in the American criminal justice system. The paper explores the reality of bias and prejudice in society and in the justice and legal system. The paper also considers the theory that minorities are more inclined to criminal behavior due to social and economic factors. The paper concludes that, other factors notwithstanding, there is definitely a certain amount of prejudice in the system that has to be eradicated.
The paper includes graphs and charts.

Outline:
Introduction
Crime Rates and Race
Incarceration Rates and Race
Causative Factors
Other Causative Factors
Conclusion: The Consequences of Prejudice

From the Paper:

"The link between race and crime in the United States is one that is not often well understood and has only been fully discussed and analyzed in detail fairly recently. There are many myths and supposition that exist with regards to the connection between race and crime - including the assumption in some quarters that some race or ethnic groups are naturally more prone to crime. The reality of bias and prejudice has to be taken account of on many levels in society, as well as in the justice and legal system. This is a cause for concern and will be a central focus of this study."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bailey, F. Y., & Green, A. P. (1999). Law Never Here: A Social History of African American Responses to Issues of Crime and Justice. Westport, CT: Praeger.
• Barlow, M. H. (1998). Race and the Problem of Crime in 'Time' and 'Newsweek' Cover Stories, 1946 to 1995. Social Justice, 25(2), 149+.
• Bonger, W. A. (1943). Race and Crime (Hordyk, M. M., Trans.). New York: Columbia University Press. Retrieved December 7, 2007, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=100650725
• Bork, Robert H. Civil Liberties after 9/11. Commentary July-Aug. 2003: 29+.
• Dunnaville C. (2000) Unequal Justice Under the Law-- Racial Inequities in the Justice System. Justice System, VA. LAW., Dec. 2000.

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