CHALLENGE FOR THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM-ECONOMIC AND RACIAL EQUALITY (FROM BLACKS AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE, 1977, BY CHARLES E. OWEN AND JIMMY BELL-SEE NCJ-43091)

• NCJ Number: 43095
• Author(s): G W CROCKETT
• Date Published: 1977
• Length: 6 pages
• Corporate Author: D C Heath and Co
• Publication Format: Document
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

THE BASIC PROBLEM FACED IN IMPROVING THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM IS ENDING THE DISCRIMINATIN THAT IS CLASS-, RATHER THAN RACE-OR COLOR-ORIENTED.

Abstract

BLACKS HAVE EXPERIENCED DISCRIMINATION AS EMPLOYEES, OFFICERS, AND CLIENTS IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. HOWEVER, THIS DISCRIMINATION IS NOT ONE DIRECTED TOWARD RACE OR COLOR, BUT RATHER TOWARD THE POOR AND ECONOMICALLY POWERLESS. THE POOR OF WHATEVER RACE, CREED, COLOR, OR ETHNIC GROUP FACE THE SAME OBSTACLES IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM, A SYSTEM WHICH PROTECTS PROPERTY AND WEALTH, AND PRESERVES POWER. AS THE LARGEST AND MOST OPPRESSED MINORITY, THE POOR NEED PERMANENT JOBS, EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES, AND DECENT HOUSING TO REMAIN OUT OF CRIMINAL COURTS, WHERE THEY BECOME HELPLESS VICTIMS OF AN UNJUST SYSTEM. HOPE IS SEEN IN THE ROLE OF BLACK JUDGES. ALTHOUGH A JUDGE IS NOT AS INDEPENDENT AS CLAIMED, HE CAN EFFECT CHANGES AND PROGRESS WITHIN THE SYSTEM. THE INCREASING NUMBER OF BLACK JUDGES HAS ALREADY PRODUCED DRAMATIC CHANGES IN PROCESSING CASES, TREATMENT OF THE ACCUSED, CONDUCT OF HEARINGS AND TRIALS, AND INTERPRETATION OF THE LAW ITSELF. COURTROOM PROCEDURES ARE BEING REVIEWED AND REDEFINED UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF BLACKS IN THE LEGAL SYSTEM. BLACKS, THEN, HAVE ACTED AS CATALYSTS TO REINFORCE AND ACCELERATE THE PACE TOWARD LEGAL JUSTICE, A JUSTICE THAT HAS BEEN HISTORICALLY 'WHITE.'