How do racial biases affect the justice system?

Racial biases can have a significant impact on the functioning of the justice system, affecting every stage of the criminal justice process from policing and arrest to trial and sentencing.

Studies have shown that Black and Hispanic individuals are more likely to be stopped, searched, and arrested by law enforcement officers, even when controlling for factors such as crime rates and neighborhood demographics. This can lead to the overrepresentation of people of color in the criminal justice system, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and contributing to a sense of distrust and animosity between marginalized communities and law enforcement.

Once in the justice system, people of color are also more likely to face harsher treatment than their white counterparts. This can manifest in a variety of ways, including longer sentences, higher bail amounts, and fewer opportunities for parole or early release. These disparities cannot be explained by differences in criminal history or offense severity and instead reflect the biases of judges, prosecutors, and other actors in the criminal justice system.

The effects of racial biases on the justice system are far-reaching, leading to systemic inequality and a lack of trust in the institutions that are meant to uphold justice and fairness. Addressing these biases and working towards a more equitable and just system requires a sustained commitment to change and an understanding of the ways that racism operates in society as a whole.