Race and Justice in the United States

Paper Summary:

Despite the 14th Amendment in the American constitution, this paper claims that there is gross inequality in many states when dealing with African-American and Latinos regarding crimes and prosecution. It states that there is solid evidence that Blacks and Latinos commit a higher number of crimes per capita but in addition, critics of our legal system assert that some laws, particularly drug laws, are enforced more vigorously in minority communities. It is also claimed that people of color receive harsher sentences for the same crimes.

From the Paper:

"America has taken the official stance that all are equal in front of the law for a long time. The 14th Amendment specifically states this. Blase (2001) quotes a legal expert from Columbia University as he says, "One of the clearest principles of American constitutional law is that race is an inappropriate basis upon which to make official decisions." The statue of Lady Justice seen on so many courthouses emphasizes this philosophy: she holds the scales of justice blindfolded."

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• Research Paper # 106076 : "Racial Bias in the U.S. Criminal Justice System"

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