Racial Disparity In Criminal Justice S 22/01/

Racial Disparity in Criminal JusticeNameTutor’s Name22/01/2013Racial Disparity in Criminal JusticeIn racially diverse nations where economic prosperity is not equally distributed some sections of society or communities become marginalised. A basic aspect of marginalisation is disparate treatment in the criminal justice system. In turn disparate treatment of persons in the criminal justice system bleeds public mistrust of the criminal justice system and hinders ability to promote public safety (Jefferson, 1992). If unwarranted racial disparities in the criminal justice system can be reduced, the system would gain credibility and be more effective in preventing and responding to crime. Racial disparity in a criminal justice system occurs where the proportion of a racial or ethnic group is much greater than the proportion of such groups in the general population. Causes of racial disparity are many and varied including levels of criminal activity, legislative policies and criminal justice practioners general discretion (Mauer, 2006).In a criminal justice system racial disparity arises from dissimilar treatment of similarly situated people due to their race. Racial disparity may arise from outright bias or as a reflection of other factors