NCJ Number
138393
Journal
ABA Journal Volume: 78 Dated: (August 1992) Pages: 58-60
Date Published
1992
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Racial disparities among attorneys, court personnel, and juries give our criminal justice system the appearance and often the reality of unfairness and require reforms to eliminate racial discrimination in the system.
Abstract
The American Bar Association recently formed a Task Force on Minorities and the Justice System, and more than 12 States have begun to implement changes to eliminate the problem of racial and ethnic bias. Several studies have revealed that racial discrimination is widespread and that frustration is pervasive among minority Americans. Areas of disparity include bail, sentences, capital punishment, access to legal services, the numbers of attorneys and court personnel, and enrollment in law schools. These results are similar to the 1968 findings of the Kerner Commission. To address the problems, the American legal profession must act decisively both as community leaders and through the organized bar.