Impact of the Criminal Justice System on Hispanics (From Report From the National Hispanic Conference on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice, P 361-382, 1981 - See NCJ-78060)

• NCJ Number: 78070
• Author(s): J Carro
• Date Published: 1981
• Length: 21 pages
• Publication Format: Document
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Microfiche version of the document is under NCJ-78060.

Annotation

Abusive and discriminatory treatment of Hispanics by all aspects of the criminal justice system is charged, and a multifaceted strategy for countering such treatment is proposed.

Abstract

Based on treatment received, Hispanics, as an oppressed underclass in American society, view the criminal justice system as an oppressive enemy intent on discriminatory punishment and abuse, rather than as a sensitive system committed to helping them deal with the needs and confusions fostered by poverty and alienation from the dominant culture. The police are regularly brutal and even deadly with Hispanics, and meaningful redress of injuries suffered is unavailable. The bail system relegates poor Hispanics to jail for extended periods before trial. Prosecutors seek sentences that exceed the severity of crimes, and judges and juries are glad to oblige. Reform can come only with new personnel in every aspect of the criminal justice system who are sensitive to the subculture and special circumstances of Hispanics. Incentives are needed for recruiting more Hispanics as police, attorneys, judges, and corrections personnel. In addition, non-Hispanics need training in nondiscriminatory approaches in the use of the power of the criminal justice system, with rehabilitation as a central goal. Moreover, courts and other criminal justice agencies should record separate statistics on Hispanics, so that what is happening to them in the system is open to observation.