Young Black Americans and the Criminal Justice System (From States of Confinement: Policing, Detention, and Prisons, P 75-84, 2000, Joy James, ed. -- See NCJ-183621)

• NCJ Number: 183624
• Author(s): Marc Mauer
• Date Published: 2000
• Length: 10 pages
• Sale Source: St. Martin's Press
• Publication Format: Book (Hardbound)
• Publication Type: Collected Work
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The current disproportionately high arrest and sentencing rates for young blacks in the United States attest to the gravity of the criminal justice crisis facing the black community, especially in the case of drug offenses.

Abstract

In addition to a steady 25-year increase in criminal justice populations, the impact of current "get tough" policies in particular suggests continuing increases in criminal justice control rates and racially disparate impacts. While debate will continue on the degree to which the criminal justice system overall contributes to racial disparities, there is increasing evidence that policies and practices contained in the "war on drugs" have represented a disaster for young blacks and other minorities. Drug arrest policies since the 1980's have disproportionately affected blacks and other minorities, first through greatly increased numbers of drug arrests and second through increased rates of minority drug arrests. Research indicates there are racial effects of law enforcement practices, prosecution, and sentencing policies related to drug law offenses. Because a significant number of black males have come under criminal justice supervision as a result of drug offenses, the author questions current drug policies and instead recommends creating prospects for young blacks based on productive employment and social supports. 20 notes