Theory and Philosophy of CRJU 5110 1. Describe the racial disparities in the criminal justice system. Why is their disparity in the CJS?
From policing to a trial and the trail sentencing racial disparities persist at every stage of the United States Criminal Justice System. There are not a single factor that has contributed to racial profiling than the War on Drugs. All ethnic groups use and sell drugs at the same rate. Blacks and Hispanics comprise over 50% of these offenses. Whether on the federal, state, or local level police officers exercise discretion when determining whether someone’s behavior is suspicious enough that an investigation is done. Racial bias keeps more people of color in prisons and on probation than ever before. 2. Clearly explain the role of the street code and its relationship to crime according to Anderson.
Elijah Anderson described the code on the streets as a set of informal rules that guide interpersonal behavior in inner city neighborhoods. The code of the streets allows those who are aggressive to be aggressive in an approved way. The rules are enforced by street oriented individuals, for instance I don’t think I could just go and be a part of the “street oriented” or try to impose on what the rules are. Having knowledge of the code is almost necessary for operating in public. Respect is the heart of the code. The rules of the code provide a framework for negotiating respect. Someone can have on certain clothing and be considered as respected. The police are often seen as representing the white society and not caring to protect inner city residents. When they are called they may not respond. For this reason many residents feel they have to be prepared to take extraordinary measures to defend themselves and their loved ones. The street code emerges when a person feels the need to protect their own safety because