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Incorporating Racial Equity into Criminal Justice Reform

October 1, 2014

There are few areas of American society where racial disparities are as profound and as troubling as in the criminal justice system. In fact, racial perceptions of crime and race-influenced policy development have been intimately tied to the development of mass incarceration. Yet there is growing evidence that the high rate of minority imprisonment is excessive for public safety goals and damaging for family and community structures in high-incarceration neighborhoods.This briefing paper provides an overview of racial disparities in the criminal justice system and a framework for developing and implementing remedies for these disparities. We first describe the rationale for incorporating racial equity as a goal of an overall criminal justice reform strategy. We then document trends in racial disparity and assess the various causal factors that have produced these outcomes. Next, we identify a selection of best practices for addressing disparities, along with recommendations for implementation. Finally, we provide a guide for establishing rigorous metrics for success

The Changing Racial Dynamics of the War on Drugs

April 14, 2009

Examines the decrease in African Americans and increase in whites among those in state prisons for drug offenses and discusses possible factors, including trends in drug use, sales, arrests, drug courts, and sentencing policies. Considers implications.

Incarcerated Parents and Their Children: Trends 1991-2007

February 1, 2009

Analyzes data compiled by the Bureau of Justice Statistics on number of parents in prison by race/ethnicity and other demographics, and highlights the increase in incarcerated mothers. Makes policy recommendations.

25-Year Quagmire: The "War On Drugs" and Its Impact on American Society

September 1, 2007

Analysis, based on an analysis of 25 years of government data regarding drugs and the criminal justice system, finds that the "war on drugs" has increasingly targeted low-level offenders for arrest and incarceration, and is largely failing to provide adequate treatment in prison. 33 pages Analysis, based on an analysis of 25 years of government data regarding drugs and the criminal justice system, finds that the "war on drugs" has increasingly targeted low-level offenders for arrest and incarceration, and is largely failing to provide adequate treatment in prison.

Uneven Justice: State Rates of Incarceration by Race and Ethnicity

July 1, 2007

Examines racial and ethnic disparities by state, and finds substantial variation in the degree of black-to-white incarceration. The report finds that African Americans are incarcerated at nearly six times the rate of whites and Latinos at nearly double the rate. Five states, located in the Northeast and Midwest, incarcerate blacks at more than ten times the rate of whites. Recommended reforms include: addressing disparities through changes in drug policy, mandatory sentencing laws, reconsideration of "race neutral" policies, and changes in resource allocation.

The Crisis of the Young African American Male and the Criminal Justice System

April 1, 1999

African Americans are more likely to be victimized by crime and also to be under criminal justice supervision. This paper explores the current status of African-American males within the criminal justice system, assesses the factors that have created high levels of criminal justice control, and provides policy recommendations.