NCJ Number
180563
Date Published
May 1999
Length
32 pages
Annotation
This report examines discrimination in the Nation's criminal justice system, primarily prejudice against the African-American community.
Abstract
Major steps taken over the past 50 years to remove institutionalized racism have not eliminated the disadvantages that many members of minority groups continue to face in daily life. What is true for American society in general also applies to the administration of the death penalty. Despite efforts to prevent the arbitrary or discriminatory imposition of capital sentences, racial discrimination in the contemporary American legal system remains deeply ingrained. The document considers this phenomenon from the following perspectives: (1) historical perspectives--ignoring the lessons of the past; (2) statistical evidence of racial bias; (3) prosecutorial discretion and racial bias; (4) excluding minorities from jury duty; (5) prejudices in the jury room; (6) racist representation of indigent defendants; (7) racism on the bench; (8) playing on racial stereotypes; (9) U.S. Supreme Court--ignoring the reality; (10) race and the Federal authorities; (11) the failure of racial justice legislation; (12) discrimination and the death penalty; and (13) a problem with only one solution. Notes, figures