Reasons for Discrepancy

While discrepancies exist in prisons, the reason for these differences remains of greater importance. There is very little concrete information on the cause of minorities receiving the brunt of convictions from the United States justice system, however there are many theories. These theories range from borderline paranoia to plausible causes, yet all are likely to hold some link to the truth. An analysis of these theories and beliefs of the community will reveal a cause for the lack of justice in the US justice system.

One belief for the disparity between whites and minorities in felony convictions is the availability of money. This is one of the simplest ways to explain the differences and spares an intelligent investigator stories of crooked or racist judges, or the “system” being rigged to keep groups of people in prison. The issue comes down to the less privileged not being able to afford to pay for legal council or required fines.

Another theory is environment. Those who grow up in an environment where crime is prevalent are more likely to view criminal activity as an opportunity to make more money. They are also more likely to view these enterprises as acceptable or “part of life.”

I feel that these are the more likely and educated theories available. Both, when properly evaluated, seem plausible and more than like each contribute to the current legal situation in some way. The unfortunate situation of the underprivileged makes it increasingly difficult to escape a lifestyle which may lie under the line which most consider comfortable or appropriate.

 

Racial discrepancies. Baaaaad

The United States contains the largest criminal justice system in the world. By the end of 2013, nearly seven million people were under correctional control in America, with 2.2 million being contained in state, local or federal jails. The United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world, dwarfing all other countries. While this on its own is a concerning fact, the breakdown of the people currently in these prisons can provide a wealth of information about the justice system in the United States.

African American males are six times more likely than white males to be incarcerated – This is a staggering statistic which speaks to the core of inequality between races in the United States. The disparity is so great in fact, that if these trends continue, one in every three black males can expect to serve a portion of his life in prison. With white males, the rate is one in every seventeen. Hispanics fall between both extremes with one in seven males doing time at some point. The discrepancies in female inmate are less extreme, yet still remain clear.

I find this inequality troubling. Quantitative data showing that the gap remains this wide between the haves and have-nots based on unmaleable traits stands to show that the equality that America was founded upon cannot extend into its justice system. This is a social issue which screams for reform as it highlights the very real differences between the lives of every day Americans. This is my first blog and I hated it.

"ICCPR Race and Justice Shadow Report." The Sentencing Project Publications -. Web. 20 Sept. 2014.