...Discrimination and Disparity S Fraser June 9, 2011 Cultural Diversity Issues in Criminal Justice CJA/344 Discrimination and Disparity Discrimination exists in today’s society whether it is acknowledged or not; it is becoming more common and more accepted every day. It is happening everywhere, schools, churches, government, and even within the criminal justice system. Often times, disparity is a product of discrimination or vice versa. The following essay will discuss discrimination and disparities that exist within the criminal justice system as well as a contrast and comparison of the two terms. The definition of disparity is the condition or fact of being unequal, as in age, rank, or degree; difference (free dictionary, 2009). Disparities can also exist in gender, income, sexual orientation, race and ethnicity. When relating to the criminal justice system, disparities exist in police departments, correctional facilities and in court procedures. In law enforcement, disparities are everywhere from hiring practices, promotional opportunities, and police response. For example, a 2009 article about racial bias in law enforcement stated that Blacks and whites engage in drug offenses at about the same rate. The article continued to say: “Since there are six-and-a-half times as many whites in this country, you would think there would be then proportionally six-and-a-half times as many whites being arrested...
Words: 801 - Pages: 4
...Disparity and discrimination paper Jesse Wilkie CJS/221 Frank Merenda 8/21/2015 Disparity and discrimination Within the criminal justice system there are various situations that take place. Nevertheless, the ones that are actually used include court procedures and law administration. Circumstances that will be deliberated on within this paper are disparity situations and discrimination situations. Depending on the situation, disparity can result in discrimination. Further included will be definitions, examples and comparing as well as contrasting of discrimination and disparity. The two factors referred to as legal and extralegal are the factors in which disparity consist of. These factors don’t essentially mean discrimination. Provided by the lawful factor are valid explanations for the judgments made on the person’s unlawful behavior and felonious record. An example of this would be once an individual is in court and the judge is determining the sentence or how much time that the person will have to serve based on the crime which could be murder, burglary, rape, etc. Another example would be an individual being arrested for breaking and entering or burglary based on their past unlawful history, and the fact that they were in the area where the crime took place at the time that...
Words: 988 - Pages: 4
...Introduction There is a significant difference between discrimination and disparity, yet they are similar because they both focus on the sentencing of the individual for a crime in court or an arrest and will assist in making a decision on the assumption or determination of guilt. Discrimination can branch out into many different areas and can be a means to an end, which is not the same that can be said for disparity. Disparity Disparity is the lack of similarity between two or more people, which is often construed as discrimination. In criminal justice, the crucial distinction is between legal and extralegal factors. Legal factors include the seriousness of the offense, aggravating or mitigating circumstances, or an offender’s prior criminal record. An example of this is a court deciding on the amount of time an individual will have to serve based on them breaking a law by murder, burglary, rape, etc. Extralegal factors include race, ethnicity, gender, social class, and lifestyle. These are not legitimate reasons for a court decision to be based on. A judge should not decide sentencing based on their nationality, the community from which they reside, or the appearance of the individual when they show up for their hearing. This type of disparity is often viewed as discrimination and can be used to have cases overturned if proven someone was judged based on any of these factors. It has been noted that possible contributors to disparities in the justice system are the nature of offenses...
Words: 813 - Pages: 4
...There is no hiding the fact that both disparity and discrimination are alive and well in the criminal justice field. When reading the words disparity and discrimination, at first glance one might think of them being the same. When we take a closer look at the two the definitions when it pertains to the criminal justice system, they become quite different. It is an important task to identify the two definitions in the criminal justice system, and have an open mind to the cause of disparity rather than to assume discrimination. The first thing we must do is define both disparity and discrimination. Disparity is defined as lack of similarity or equality toward a group of people. For example if someone was to make the statement, a prison population that holds 100 inmates, out of those 100 inmates 75% of them where black inmates. One would quickly come to the conclusion that the justice system in this area is creating disparity of treatment towards the black population. But in actuality this is not the case. The area that the population was pulled from was an area that was predominantly black. This example would be the case of disparity not discrimination. Disparity is not necessarily a choice; it’s what is in the focus area. One area in south may be harsher on burglaries and more lenient on drug related crimes. But on the surface in that area, more black people may be committing more drug related crimes. So it would appear that the courts are sentencing more time toward...
Words: 828 - Pages: 4
...Disparity and Discrimination Kary L. Wilson CJA/344 Cultural Diversity in Criminal Justice December 5, 2011 Benjamin Harm Disparity and Discrimination This assignment will compare and contrast the terms disparity and discrimination. Sufficient background and examples of disparity and discrimination from the criminal justice system will be used to support persuasively the development of each term. First, the term disparity will be defined, developed, and supported with examples from the criminal justice system. Second, the term discrimination will be brought into focus, defined, and supported accordingly. Third, the similarities, and differences between the terms will be brought into discussion. The assignment will conclude by defining the applicability of the problem as it relates to these terms and will attempt to suggest a solution in curbing or even eliminating discrimination and disparity within the system. It is often said that the American Criminal Justice System directly discriminates against minorities based on race, gender, ethnicity, religion, and economic status. To clarify the credibility of such statement, one must be able to understand that deeply weaved within such claim stands the issue of disparity. Disparity and discrimination are two important social factors affecting the American socio-cultural aspects, especially those aspects related to the criminal justice system. Often, these similar terms are used interchangeably...
Words: 1228 - Pages: 5
...344 Disparity and Discrimination When we refer to disparity vs discrimination they are similar, both meaning lack of similarity and or inequality. Even though, in the criminal justice sytsem these words have diffenet meanings. These two terms have been evaluated within the criminal justice system, the dicrimination and disparity of ethic and racial groups have been recognized for a long time by some. At sometime or other disparity maybe the result of discrimination within the justice system in some situations. Disparity refers to the inequality in all aspects within the criminal justice system, for certain groups of individuals it conists og arrest to sentencing; this nearly will always refer back to ethic and racial disparity. Racial disparity is present within the criminal justice system as the porportion of an ethic or racial group is within the control of the system are greater than the the porportion of such groups within the general population ( The Sentencing Project,2008). Even though, it may not always be a relation to intentional discrimination racial disparity has been definately established within our justice system. Discrimination is defined as a distinction based on personal characteristics of an individual resulting in some degree of disadvantage to the indiviudual ( Law Encyclopedia, 2011). In order for us to better understand the similarities and differences between these two terms researchers have recently created the discrimination/disparity continuum...
Words: 927 - Pages: 4
...Disparity and Discrimination 2 Disparity and DiscriminationThere are many different situations that occur within the criminal justice system. However, theones that are being used involve court procedures and law enforcement. The situations that will bediscussed are disparity and discrimination existing in the criminal justice system. In certain situationsdisparity can be a result of discrimination depending on the situation.There will be definitions, examples,comparison, and contrast of disparity and discrimination.The disparity consists of two factors, which are called legal and extralegal and they may notnecessarily mean discrimination. The legal factor provides legitimate base explanation for the decisionson the individual’s criminal behavior and criminal record. For example, in the court when deciding on thesentence or the amount of time that the individual will have to serve based on breaking law by murder, burglary, rape, etc. Another example, law enforcement arrest a person for burglary because of the person past criminal history, and the fact that they were not too far away from the scene of the crime.In addition, the extralegal factor includes lifestyle, gender, nationality, and class status, which arenot legitimate reasons to base decisions on. For example in the court, deciding whether to sentence theindividual or the amount of time that individual will have to be serve will not be based on their nationality, but on statics of that population and community, and appearance...
Words: 799 - Pages: 4
...Disparity and Discrimination Paper Freddy Towe CJS/221 May 9, 2016 Dr. Sheila Toppin This paper will examine the definition of disparity and discrimination as it pertains to criminal justice. I will also give examples of each to illustrate what each means. I will say that in gathering data for this report I have found was quite surprising to me. Disparity is defined as a large difference between two things. In criminal justice it can mean things like the difference between arrest rates between races. In 2010 there were seven million sixty-six thousand one hundred and fifty-four caucasian subjects arrested which equated to sixty-nine percent of all persons arrested. The same year two million eight hundred forty-six thousand eight hundred sixty-two african americans equating to twenty-eight percent. (FBI, 2011) This is a disparity in itself when you look at these numbers it shows forty-one more caucasians were arrested in 2010. However, when you look at the census records and the number of caucasians and african americans you see another disparity. The numbers flip when you look at the population ratios. What you find is seven percent of the total population of african americans compared to three percent of caucasians. Not exactly what I thought I would see. As this shows the same numbers shows a disparity in two different ways depending on what fact you are wanting to say. There are more caucasians arrested each year however there is a larger number of the african...
Words: 763 - Pages: 4
...Disparity and Discrimination Essay This paper will compare and contrast disparity and discrimination as they relate to the criminal justice system. The discussion will be supported with examples from law enforcement practices, court procedures, corrections populations. When you first look at discrimination and disparity one may believe they were similar but that is further from the truth. When people see a great number of blacks or Hispanics arrested for many drug related incidents it may seen discrimination had a lot to do with it whether it occur at the start of an arrest, during the justice procedure, or during the sentencing process. Although it seem very easy to come to that conclusion; it is vital that people have a receptive mine and look further for the reason of disparity instead of believing what they see from the exterior. The way to find out whether the case is disparity or discriminating is to investigate the whole case from the beginning to the end, and along with examination the population of that particular town. Maybe the truth will be revealed, do the justice system contribute or intentional discriminate or is it disparity without any form discrimination. The defining of disparity according to Schrantz and McElary (2000), racial disparity in the criminal justice system exists when the proportion of a racial/ethnic group within the control of the system is greater than the proportion of such groups in the general population. There are many cause of...
Words: 679 - Pages: 3
...Disparity and Discrimination Essay Ashley Gallegos CJA/344 10/23/2011 Jacquelyn Bradway In America disparity and discrimination has a strong presence in everyday life as well as in other countries around the world. Even though these are two different actions they have the same result showing others they are different and should be treated as such. When it comes to disparity its definition states that it is inequality in form or a difference. When it comes to discrimination its definition states that it is an action that treats someone inferior because of their race, sex, national origin or age. Do these actions take place in the world of criminal justice for example in law enforcement practices, court procedures or correction populations? Law Enforcement Practices Law enforcement is an admirable job and any individual who takes on this job role should be appreciated and respected. But what should citizens do when disparity and discrimination become intertwined and a part of the law enforcement job? An issue among law enforcement for decades has been racial profiling; this issue is the reason why many judicial consent decrees have been designed, to help start avoiding...
Words: 859 - Pages: 4
...1 Disparity and Discrimination By Jennifer Cruz CJS/221 8/7/15 Alan Hazen 2 Disparity and Discrimination In a prejudice world, it’s important to note the differences between disparity and discrimination, but especially when serving justice in the courts. Everyone regardless of color, sex, sexual orientation, race, and religion are entitled to fair treatment, but it doesn’t always happen that way. In this paper examples will be given of the unfair treatment towards certain race of people, and what the consequences of that treatment is. It will also explain a situation of which disparity exists, why, and how it all relates to the criminal justice field. Disparity Disparity is a situation which a particular group of people are involved. A good example would be the incarceration rate of black men, compared to any other race. Would is the cause of this? When looking at the statistics of disparity in crime, we learn many things. Who is effected the most, which race, class, or sex is most likely to be arrested, and then the next question is why? Why are black men more likely than men of other races to be incarcerated despite blacks making up only 13% of the population? And what can we do to make it fairer towards everyone regardless of what they are? These are important questions to ask when regarding race in the criminal justice field. Discrimination Discrimination is treatment that is different between different groups of people, such as religious groups, groups of...
Words: 761 - Pages: 4
...CJA 423 week 1 Assignment Disparity and Discrimination Get Tutorial by Clicking on the link below or Copy Paste Link in Your Browser https://hwguiders.com/downloads/cja-423-week-1-assignment-disparity-discrimination/ For More Courses and Exams use this form ( http://hwguiders.com/contact-us/ ) Feel Free to Search your Class through Our Product Categories or From Our Search Bar (http://hwguiders.com/ ) Every day in life there’s Discrimination. Depending on the situations discrimination could be portrayed to as an intentional discrimination or a form of disparity. Hatred, violence, strong emotions and feelings is a worldwide issue that is cause by Disparity. Both terms have similarities and difference that will be explained further. “Disparity and discrimination are sometimes confusing and can cause heated debates concerning if discrimination exists in the criminal justice system. Discrimination comes in many forms and has seriousness levels. Disparity refers to a difference but does not always involve discrimination. To determine if discrimination exists in the criminal justice system or if the differences are a result of disparity one must fully understand the key differences between disparity and discrimination” (Williams, 2009, p. 1). TO Download Complete Tutorial Hit Purchase Button CJA 423 week 1 Assignment Disparity and Discrimination Get Tutorial by Clicking on the link below or Copy Paste Link in Your Browser https://hwguiders.com/download...
Words: 3528 - Pages: 15
...The concept of disparity and discrimination has been an issue weighing on the criminal justice community for some time now. To many people, it is unclear as to whether or not they are the same thing and if not what the differences are. It is a pretty confusing concept, but with clear explanation it is easily understood. At some time or other disparity may be the result of discrimination within the justice system in some situations. Disparity refers to the inequality in all aspects within the criminal justice system, for certain groups of individuals it consists of arrest to sentencing; this will nearly, always refer to ethnic and racial disparity. Racial disparity is present within the criminal justice system as the proportion of an ethnic,...
Words: 940 - Pages: 4
...Disparity and Discrimination Darion Clay CJS/221 July 12, 2015 Linda Fisher-Lewis In the criminal justice system both disparity and discrimination is used because I can't say that police officers do not focus more on the black community than the white because it is really happening right know I'm seeing it with my own eyes. I also see if you have money you can get away with anything, but if you are poor it is nothing they can do for you just like they look at the way you was raised and where you was raised at. Criminal justice is just like any other jobs you would get it's not about what you can do it's about who you know and the color of your skin and that is discrimination. These days they try not to discriminate because they want to seem like they still have racism, but you can't hide it at all. Criminal justice also has and shows the great differences, between people of all colors and that is disparity. It's when they see how you present yourself to them and what they can see and what you know. The different between disparity and discrimination is disparity is when something is not the same and unequal when discrimination is when someone shows prejudice against someone else that is the differences. The similarities between disparity and discrimination is because they both treat people unequal it's like they both show prejudice are not the same treatment...
Words: 754 - Pages: 4
...used are disparity and discrimination. In this essay I will define and give current examples of the terminology. I will also explain why knowing the difference between the two is important in the criminal justice system. Disparity and discrimination are similar terms. You might be asking yourself what is disparity? Disparity can be defined as a lack of similarity or equality. Diversity can be defined as the condition of having or being composed of differing elements. One current and highly controversial form of discrimination that we are facing worldwide is same sex marriages. No matter if you are for it or against it you have seen or been affected in some way by the topic. By not allowing same sex marriages to be validated we are discriminating against the gay and lesbian community. There are still many forms of discrimination that take place in today’s society; unfortunately a lot of discrimination is racially based. We also see a lot of gender based discrimination; typically men are still paid more than women for the exact same job. America is the most racially diverse demographic nation in the world. Many people working the criminal justice systems are aware of the racial disparity and would like to counteract it. Racial disparity in the criminal justice system exists when the proportion of the racial or ethnic group within control of the system is greater than the portion of the groups in the general population. Illegitimate or unwarranted racial disparity in the criminal...
Words: 738 - Pages: 3
