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Not Black and White: Mixed Heritage Experiences of Criminal Justice (From Race and Probation, P 121-142, 2006, Sam Lewis, Peter Raynor, et al., eds. -- See NCJ-213631)

NCJ Number
213638
Author(s)
Sam Lewis; Jill Olumide
Date Published
2006
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This chapter explores the experiences in the British criminal justice system of offenders with mixed ethnic heritage.
Abstract
A study of mixed-heritage students with one White parent found that many of the barriers they face are the same as for Black-Caribbean students. Regarding the experiences of mixed-heritage individuals with the criminal justice system, research cannot prove that the treatment of mixed-heritage offenders is discriminatory; however, findings suggest that male offenders with mixed parentage have received more restrictive sentences than similar White offenders. Overall, persons of mixed heritage in the United Kingdom experience the same types of socioeconomic disadvantage characteristic of ethnic minorities in general. This translates into overrepresentation in the criminal justice system and more restrictive, discriminatory treatment in the criminal justice system compared to their White counterparts. The chapter begins with an overview of the history of discussions of the mixed-race population in the United Kingdom, including the presentation of data from official sources. A section on public services received by people of mixed heritage notes that mixed-race children are significantly overrepresented in the receipt of public services. 2 tables, 15 notes, and 40 references