Assignment task:
This assignment aims to deepen your understanding of bias, disparities, and discrimination within the criminal justice system. Using course materials, personal observations, and external sources, you will analyze the debate around systematic discrimination in the criminal justice system.
Prompt:
Systematic Discrimination: Do you believe systematic discrimination exists in the criminal justice system? Discuss, referencing the course materials and other credible sources.
Perspectives: Reflect on the arguments presented by Heather MacDonald and Marc Mauer:
- Heather MacDonald argues that disparities in the justice system are due to higher crime rates in communities of color, not systematic discrimination.
- Marc Mauer suggests that the overrepresentation of racial minorities in the system is influenced by more than just crime rates, including disparities in criminal justice processing and the impact of race-neutral policies.
Personal Insight: Which argument resonates more with you, or do you have a different perspective? Explain your viewpoint and support it with evidence from your readings and research.
Further Inquiry: Identify aspects of this debate you want to explore further in future chapters or discussions.