NCJ Number
138394
Journal
ABA Journal Volume: 78 Dated: (August 1992) Pages: 62-63
Date Published
1992
Length
2 pages
Annotation
The United States must take specific actions to remove racial discrimination from the legal and criminal justice system.
Abstract
The acquittal of the Los Angeles police officers who beat Rodney King was a reminder of racial discrimination. The jury accepted the astonishing proposition that 17 police officers would not contain or handcuff King unless 4 of them repeatedly beat him. However, this verdict and the racism underlying it were not aberrations. A majority of Americans disagreed with this verdict. To remove racial discrimination, actions are needed now to eliminate the exclusion of minorities from decisionmaking positions in both State and Federal criminal justice systems. In addition, blacks must receive equal opportunity to serve as jurors, and changes of venue in racially charged cases must not have the effect of excluding people of color. Furthermore, eliminating police brutality against minorities must become a national priority. Finally, racial disparities in sentencing must end. These measures will help ensure equal justice for all.