Confronting Racial Inequality in the Criminal Justice System

Racial bias in the criminal justice system continues to disproportionately affect African Americans. This issue has been glaringly evident in numerous incidents throughout history, with one of the most notorious being the Rodney King riots in 1992. These riots, also known as the L.A. riots, erupted following the acquittal of four Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers who were filmed using excessive force on Rodney King, an African American man. As National Public Radio succinctly put it, "It ignited a national conversation about racial and economic disparity and police use of force.

" Despite efforts to address racial discrimination, the journey towards complete elimination remains elusive.

Notable Incidents

The Rodney King incident is just one of many that highlight racial discrimination within the criminal justice system. In 2015, the arrest and subsequent death of Sandra Bland in her jail cell sparked widespread controversy and anger. Her tragic case is one of many, including the deaths of Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, and Quinten Thomas—a fourth-year student at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). Each of these incidents serves as a grim reminder of the systemic issues plaguing the justice system.

The handling of racial discrimination within the justice system must undergo substantial change. There is no justification for minorities to be treated unjustly by those sworn to serve and protect. If racial discrimination persists, we must critically examine our actions and policies. As emphasized in "Criminal Justice Ethics: Theory and Practice," racial discrimination is morally wrong and violates the principle of equality, which mandates equal treatment based on similarities, with race being irrelevant. The concept of equality, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is "like for each member of a group or society." This means everyone should have the same opportunities and advantages to succeed.

Structural Discrimination

The criminal justice system, including law enforcement officers, corrections, and the judiciary, often acts as the discriminator. The problem often begins with law enforcement officers, who may use profiling to justify detaining individuals. This profiling sometimes devolves into racial profiling, which includes protected categories. As noted by Fredrickson and Siljander in "Racial Profiling," criminal profiling is often confused with racial profiling because it may include race or national origin. This form of discrimination has deep roots, tracing back to events like the Rodney King riots. In 1992, a quarter of LAPD officers surveyed admitted to holding racial biases against minorities, which could lead to excessive force.

Discrimination isn't limited to those arrested but extends to African Americans working within the system. In 1991, the Los Angeles Sentinel reported that John W. Hunter, an LAPD officer since 1968, faced discrimination in promotions. An investigation revealed that during a one-year period, 26.9% of White officers were promoted compared to only 11.8% of African American officers. Although the LAPD has become more diverse, disparities persist.

Impact on Communities

Racial discrimination also manifests in demographic disparities. As noted in "Criminal Justice Ethics: Theory and Practice," drug arrests have disproportionately targeted Black communities, leading to increased incarceration rates among Black males. This incarceration cycle often results in further legal troubles, lengthening sentences and perpetuating systemic inequality.

The judicial system also exhibits bias, particularly in jury selection. Juries are supposed to be composed of peers, yet biases can still influence verdicts. The O.J. Simpson trial exemplifies how celebrity status and wealth can skew perceptions. Would a jury have reached the same verdict if the defendant were a regular, impoverished minority? This question remains unanswered.

Marissa Alexander's case in Florida highlights further disparities. She was sentenced to 20 years for firing a warning shot during an altercation with her abusive husband. Meanwhile, George Zimmerman was acquitted in the same state after shooting Trayvon Martin, citing self-defense. Alexander's case was eventually overturned, but not before she served time. This discrepancy underscores the system's inconsistencies.

Sandra Bland's arrest and subsequent death also reveal systemic failings. Despite her history of depression, the jail allegedly ignored her mental health needs, attributing her death to suicide. Conspiracy theorists suggest foul play, raising questions about the trustworthiness of correctional officers.

Advocacy and Reform

The fear of authority figures is pervasive among minorities, leading to distrust in the justice system. Movements like Black Lives Matter have emerged to address these issues, uniting communities and raising awareness through social media. By spotlighting cases like Trayvon Martin, Sandra Bland, and Marissa Alexander, these movements emphasize the urgent need for reform.

Conflict theory, as discussed in "Criminal Justice Ethics: Theory and Practice," posits that society is a competition for resources, with the state representing the ruling class's interests. This creates inequalities, as punishment is influenced by "nonrational factors, including race and social class." Minorities, therefore, have valid reasons to feel angry and fearful.

In conclusion, while we have made progress since the days of slavery and the Rodney King riots, the criminal justice system still requires significant reform to become ethical and fair. Addressing these issues will involve trial and error, similar to the evolving approach to the death penalty. With time, we can hope for a more reliable system that significantly reduces racial discrimination.

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