Criminal justice
Getting Started

Because racial minorities sometimes obtain different results in our criminal justice system, it is important to discern where these differences occur and whether they are due to racial discrimination or other sources.

Upon successful completion of this assignment, you will be able to:

· Articulate how diverse racial groups are affected differently by the criminal justice system.

Resources

· Textbook: Collective, C. J., Prior, S., & Jones, L. (2018). Investigating difference: human and cultural relations in criminal justice (3rd ed.). Pearson.

Background Information

Many statistical studies have been done on disparate results for different racial groups in the criminal justice system. These studies generally show higher rates of incarceration, longer sentences, and higher instances of imposition of the death penalty for some racial groups compared to others. However, what most of these studies show is correlation rather than causation. Some studies relate the disparate results to socioeconomic status or family dynamics rather than race. More research needs to be done to discover exactly why these results occur so that criminal justice professionals can make changes to ensure more confidence in the fairness of our justice system.

Instructions

1. Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.

2. Carefully consider TWO subject groups to write about from Chapters 9-14. (Social class and Race)

3. Write a two to three-page (or 1,000-1,500 word) paper that addresses the following:

a. How does the criminal justice system affect these minority groups differently than the population as a whole?

b. Compare and contrast the two groups you have selected. Are there similarities in how they are affected? Are there differences? How do you account for the differences?

4. Make sure that your assignment is in proper APA format.