NCJ Number
112519
Date Published
1988
Length
229 pages
Annotation
This text, the third in a four-volume series, examines the relationship between being a member of a racial or ethnic minority in American society and being the victim or perpetrator of crime.
Abstract
The victimization experiences of minorities are examined, including their historical mistreatment and its implications and current trends in minority victimization. Ethnic/minority criminality is explored, including the character and scope of minority crime; and weaknesses of statistical data are discussed. Explanations of crime causation are examined from biological, psychological, sociological, and socioeconomic perspectives, with particular focus on minority crime and critical examinations of such theories. The lack of etiological studies of minority groups also is addressed. Chapters on ethnic criminality consider the dynamics and implications of black crime; the relationship between Hispanics and criminality; the high rate of crime among Native Americans and the reasons for it; and the role of minorities in juvenile delinquency, organized crime, and gang activities. The effects of race/ethnicity on criminal justice system involvement are considered, with focus on differential treatment by law enforcement, courts, and corrections. The incarceration of minorities is discussed with reference to statistical trends, race relations, racial discrimination, and capital punishment. Finally, implications of minority involvement in crime are discussed as they relate to criminological and criminal justice, community, social, and research action. 24 tables, 1 figure, index, and 127 references.