Non-Academic Op-Ed

docx

School

Cambridge College *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

403

Subject

Sociology

Date

Nov 24, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by Welman98

1 Non-Academic Op-Ed Name Institution Professor Course Date

2 Non-Academic Op-Ed Introduction In a quiet courtroom, an individual stands, weighed down not only by the charges against them but also by a history of systemic bias that casts a long shadow over the proceedings. This scene, a plain reminder of the pervasive racism in the justice system, highlights an issue deeply ingrained in the societal fabric. Racism within the judicial system is a critical social justice concern, manifesting in various forms ranging from racial profiling to sentencing disparities. The gravity of this issue extends beyond individual cases, reflecting a broader pattern of inequality and injustice. This opinion piece aims to unravel the complexities of this problem, exploring its origins, consequences, and potential solutions. It will delve into the historical roots that have allowed such discrimination to flourish and examine the far-reaching impact this has on communities and individuals alike. Besides, the discussion will not stop at merely identifying the problem but will also propose actionable solutions, emphasizing the role of policy reform and community engagement. Understanding the importance of this issue is vital for a general audience, as it affects the foundational principles of justice and equality. The paper will conclude

3 by empowering readers with practical steps they can take to contribute to this crucial fight against racial injustice in the justice system. Why Racism in the Justice System is a Social Problem Racism within the justice system reveals itself through diverse means, being inherently tied to the disparate handling of individuals distinguished by their race alone. This discrimination extends from law enforcement practices to court proceedings and prison systems. Research uncovers an unsettling pattern: those from specific racial groups, predominantly Black and Hispanic populations, face higher chances of being halted, inspected, detained, and judged guilty compared to their same-situated Caucasian peers. Moreover, as argued by Horan (2020), the severity of sentences often differs markedly, with minorities receiving harsher penalties for similar offenses. This pattern not only reflects individual biases but also systemic issues ingrained in the legal framework and operational procedures. These inequities highlight the pressing necessity for a thorough inspection and overhaul of the justice system through comprehensive reform to guarantee impartial and consistent handling for every individual. The justice system's role should be to uphold fairness and equality, yet the prevalence of racism undermines this fundamental principle (Gonzalez Van Cleve, 2020). Beyond legal implications, this disparity erodes public trust in the justice system, which is crucial for a functioning democracy. Addressing these issues requires acknowledging uncomfortable truths about our society's inherent biases and systemic inequalities. Efforts to reform must be grounded in a deep understanding of the complex ways racism permeates legal processes and decision-making. A miscarriage of justice occurred in the notorious 1989 Central Park Five case, whereby the erroneous convictions of five minorities for a crime that they did not commit highlighted the deep-seated systemic racial issues that persist within the flawed criminal justice system. While

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

4 racial biases may have influenced their arrest and conviction despite lacking concrete proof, the lack of irrefutable evidence introduced reasonable doubt. Recent statistics still back up this narrative. According to statistics released by the NAACP, incarceration levels affecting African Americans far exceed those of Whites by over five times within our nation's prisons, strongly highlighting the severe racial inequity permeating the realm of law enforcement and punishment. The Sentencing Project's research uncovered that, even after accounting for prior criminal records and other applicable legal aspects, Black male defendants tended to be given sentences approximately 19.1% more than those received by similarly situated White male defendants for comparable crimes, with their analysis discovering racial disparities in sentencing (NAACP, 2020). These facts and examples make clear the deceptive ways in which racial discrimination can pervade people's daily experiences and entrench communities in the grinding feedback loop of deprivation and isolation. Racial bias within the justice system's disproportionate reach extends to jury selection as well, where minorities are commonly inadequately represented. Racial profiling, a prevalent practice in law enforcement, contributes significantly to the disparities seen in the judicial process. To grasp why racism is still present in our legal system, one must know its historical background. This is a long-standing problem in the US that has its roots in the Jim Crow era, segregation, and slavery. These times laid the groundwork for contemporary systemic racism by institutionalizing racial discrimination. Much progress was achieved in resolving some of these concerns during the 1960s civil rights movement (Bonilla, 2021). Besides, the legal system is not immune to the lingering effects of these discriminatory practices lingering effects. Higher incarceration rates and persistent racial profiling were outcomes of policies like the war on drugs, which unfairly targeted minority communities. Recognizing the problem as an ongoing

5 struggle against a deeply entrenched societal issue necessitating ongoing attention and action, this historical perspective is essential. Understanding the historical context of racism in the justice system helps in recognizing it as a deeply ingrained societal issue, not just a series of isolated incidents (Carey et al.,2022). The legacy of past injustices continues to influence contemporary legal practices, often subconsciously affecting judicial decisions. Efforts to dismantle systemic racism must confront not only current practices but also the historical roots that have allowed such biases to persist. Education and awareness about this history are crucial in fostering a more equitable justice system and society. How We Can Solve It Systemic changes and individual actions are both necessary to address racism in the justice system. To address the fundamental reasons for institutionalized racism, systemic changes are essential. Changes to police procedures are an important part of this. Police personnel should undergo extensive training on cultural awareness, de-escalation methods, and racial bias. Furthermore, impartial watchdog groups should be set up to investigate and record occurrences of racial discrimination in the court system (Watson, 2021). These bodies must have the authority to enforce changes and hold individuals and institutions accountable. Another significant area is the reform of sentencing guidelines and the elimination of mandatory minimum sentences, which disproportionately impact racial minorities. These guidelines often result in longer sentences for similar crimes when compared to their white counterparts, perpetuating racial disparities in incarceration rates. Reforming these guidelines to focus more on rehabilitation rather than punishment can help reduce these disparities. Communities and individuals must work together to eliminate racism from the legal system. Crucial tenets of this struggle are education and awareness. Racism is a real problem,

6 and it shows up in the justice system. People should learn more about it. Armed with this information, citizens can demand change and demand accountability from their national and local leaders. Participation from the community is also crucial(NAACP, 2020). Communities can host forums and discussions to raise awareness of these issues and give a voice to those on the margins. Additionally, community-based programs offer legal aid and other types of support so people affected by systemic racism can find both immediate help and ongoing advocacy. Supporting and strengthening the movements and individuals fighting racial injustice in the legal system is equally important. Because of their proximity to the action, these communities often resolve issues firsthand and understand complex issues more deeply. To address racism within the justice system, lawmakers must implement the required reforms. Lawmakers need to pass measures that tackle racial inequalities head-on. One step in this direction is the introduction of laws that make hate crimes more punishable and outlaw racial profiling(Bonilla, 2021). Additionally, lawmakers ought to set aside enough funds to educate and employ judicial and police practices that are free of bias. Also, they need to pass legislation mandating the gathering and release of racial and sentencing data to increase systemic openness and accountability. Policymakers should prioritize the appointment of a diverse range of judges and officials within the justice system, ensuring that the system reflects the diversity of the population it serves. This can help bring different perspectives and experiences to the forefront, aiding in the development of a more equitable justice system. Why a General Audience Should Care

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

7 The pervasive nature of racial bias within the justice system has significant repercussions that extend well beyond its immediate context, affecting the broader societal fabric. The foundations of a democratic society, equality, and justice, are fundamentally challenged by this systemic issue. According to Watson (2021), both the individuals directly affected and the public at large lose faith in the justice system when it seems biased against particular racial groups. Mistrust and division result from a loss of trust that affects more than just the communities directly hit. The monetary ramifications are also relatively significant. The financial burden of disproportionately high rates of incarceration among minority populations falls on all taxpayers. This expenditure reflects a misdirected allocation of public funds, which could have been more effectively used to enhance essential services like education and healthcare, benefiting society. Furthermore, the effects of racial discrimination in the justice system reverberate through various dimensions of community and family life, particularly impacting future generations.

8 Children of incarcerated individuals, predominantly from racial minorities, face numerous challenges, including psychological distress and socio-economic instability (Rucker & Richeson, 2021). This perpetuates a cycle of disadvantage, increasing the likelihood of these children’s future entanglements with the justice system. Rather than being the product of innate bias, this is the outcome of institutional failures. Communities that have a high incarceration rate tend to be minority-populated and experience a lack of economic empowerment, political representation, and overall social inclusion (Stanchi, 2021). Audiences must grasp these wide-ranging impacts. Understanding the interconnected nature of these issues deepens the recognition of the necessity to confront racial bias in the justice system. It is a struggle that transcends individual experiences, demanding collective awareness, compassion, and concerted societal efforts to forge a path toward greater justice and equity. Conclusion In this comprehensive exploration of racism within the justice system, I have explored into its diverse dimensions, illustrating its profound impact on individuals and communities. The historical context underlines this social ill's entrenched nature, reinforcing the need for systemic change and policy reform. Practical solutions have been proposed, highlighting the roles of individuals, communities, and policymakers in fostering a more equitable justice system. Moreover, the broader societal implications of this issue have been addressed, appealing to the reader's sense of fairness and justice and making the problem personally relevant. Specific actions for the general audience have been outlined to contribute to mitigating this issue, emphasizing both individual and collective efforts. Voting, involvement in one's community, supporting advocacy groups, and self-education are all part of it. There has also been an emphasis on sharing personal stories and experiences linked to this issue, which brings a more

9 personal touch to the call for change. The main points are reviewed at the end of the piece, and the need to address racism in the legal system is reiterated. A strong call to action is included at the end, encouraging readers to actively fight racism and create a more fair and equal society. This opinion piece's use of multimedia and personal narratives makes it more engaging, informative, and emotionally impactful.

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

10 References Bonilla, S. E. (2021). What Makes Systemic Racism Systemic? Sociological Inquiry, 91(3), 513– 533. https://doi.org/10.1111/soin.12420 Horan, D. P. (2020). Racism Is a White Problem: Thomas Merton, Whiteness and Racial Justice. Merton Annual, 33, 63–82. https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx? direct=true&AuthType=shib&db=a9h&AN=148961871&site=ehost-live&custid=mdcc NAACP . (2020). NAACP. https://naacp.org/ Rucker, J. M., & Richeson, J. A. (2021). Toward an understanding of structural racism: Implications for criminal justice. Science, 374(6565), 286–290. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abj7779 Watson, M. D. (2021). Social Justice Racism: How to Remove an Alarming Contradiction from Activist Thought and Action. Afro-Americans in New York Life & History, 42(1), 87– 110. https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx? direct=true&AuthType=shib&db=a9h&AN=151622409&site=ehost-live&custid=mdcc Stanchi, K. (2021). The Rhetoric of Racism in the United States Supreme Court. BCL Rev. , 62 , 1251.https://heinonline.org/hol-cgi-bin/get_pdf.cgi?handle=hein.journals/ bclr62&section=35 Gonzalez Van Cleve, N. (2020). Crook County: Racism and injustice in America's largest criminal court . Stanford University Press. https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/9780804799201/html

11 Carey, P. M., Capachietti, A., & Alvarez, J. R. (2022). Action Steps to Eliminating Racism and Bias in the Courts. Trends St. Cts. , 11. https://heinonline.org/hol-cgi-bin/get_pdf.cgi? handle=hein.journals/trendsc2022&section=6

Non-Academic Op-Ed

Related Documents