Chapter 6, Problem 3QCT-P187

Summary Introduction

Introduction

One of the problems with crime is how it is defined. Actions chosen by poor people and people of color are more likely to be treated as crimes. White people have more access to hospital stays or diversion programs so they can avoid juvenile detention, for example. The institutional racism of the justice system has in impact on the local level because police focus on areas they consider to be high-crime, and they are much more likely to stop and frisk minorities. Another problem is disproportionate sentencing of crimes. White-collar and corporate criminals usually only face fines, while a black teenager faces jail time for possession of marijuana in most states.