Racial Disparity in Sentencing

Paper Summary:

This paper relates that there is evidence indicating a disparity between the sentencing of white and black individuals in the United States. The paper discusses the many reasons that exist for such a disparity, such as law enforcement strategies that target low income areas. It also discusses other reasons, including the ability to hire a private attorney versus having to depend on a public defender. The paper concludes with some suggestions for reducing racial disparity.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Reasons for Racial Disparity
Extra Legal and Non-Legal Factors in Sentencing Consideration
Suggestions for Reducing Disparity
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"A large racial discrepancy exists in the court system when sentences are handed down to individuals. There is sufficient evidence to support that a black individual is more likely to receive a harsher sentence than a white individual who committed what would appear to be the same crime. Many theories exist for the explanations of the racial disparity such as law enforcement strategies, disproportionate number of minorities involved in crime, the implementation of mandatory sentencing guidelines, and even how plea bargains are handled. As well as there are theories for the reasons why racial disparities in sentencing existing, so are suggestions as to how to attempt to remedy it such as restricting judicial discretion, and maintaining sentencing within certain guidelines."

Sample of Sources Used:

• CNN. (2000, April). Minority Youth Face Tougher Treatment in Justice System. Retrieved from: http://archives.cnn.com/2000/LAW/04/25/juvenile.justice/index.html on November 26, 2006.
• Engelhardt, Matt. (2006, March). PD Ready to IMPACT North End. Middletown Press. Retrieved from: http://www.ctcentral.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16314413&BRD=1645&PAG=461&dept_id=10856&rfi=6 on November 24, 2006.
• H. Michael Steinberg Attorney and Counselor at Law, (n.d.). Plea bargains: Why and When They are Made. Retrieved from http://www.hmichaelsteinberg.com/pleabargaining.htm. on November 25, 2006.
• Kansal, Tushar & Mauer, Marc. (2005, January). Racial Disparity in Sentencing: A Review of the Literature. The Sentencing Project. Retrieved from: http://www.sentencingproject.org/pdfs/disparity.pdf on November 25, 2006.
• Souryal, Claire & Wellford, Charles. (1997, November). An Examination of Unwarranted Sentencing Disparity Under Maryland's Voluntary Sentencing Guidelines. Retrieved from: http://www.msccsp.org/publications/disparity.html on November 24, 2006.

More papers on Racial Disparity in Sentencing:

• Analytical Essay # 122197 : "Racial Disparity in Sentencing"
• Persuasive Essay # 114618 : "Racial Disparity in Sentencing"
• Article Review # 102033 : "Racial Discrimination in Sentencing"

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