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Race In Prison Essay

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Race has always been a contentious issue in American society. The prison system, in particular, has been a topic of great debate in terms of the fairness of the sentencing process. The question that has been asked repeatedly is whether race plays a significant role in determining the length of prison sentences in America. This paper will examine the existing research on the topic and evaluate the evidence to determine whether race does indeed affect prison sentences in America.
The United States has one of the largest prison systems in the world. According to the World Prison Brief, the United States has an incarceration rate of 639 per 100,000 people, which is the highest in the world. The prison system in America is made up of federal and …show more content…

According to a report by The Sentencing Project, black Americans are incarcerated at a rate that is five times higher than white Americans. Furthermore, Hispanic Americans are incarcerated at a rate that is 1.4 times higher than white Americans. The report also found that black Americans make up 40% of the prison population despite only representing 13% of the overall population.
One of the primary factors that determine a prison sentence is the severity of the crime committed. However, there is evidence to suggest that race can also play a role in the sentencing process. A study conducted by the United States Sentencing Commission found that black male offenders receive sentences that are 19.1% longer than white male offenders for similar crimes. The study also found that Hispanic male offenders receive sentences that are 8.6% longer than white male offenders.
Another factor that can influence sentencing is the criminal history of the offender. However, there is evidence to suggest that race can also play a role in this process. A study conducted by researchers from Stanford University found that black offenders are more likely to receive longer sentences than white offenders for the same criminal history. The study found that black offenders with no prior convictions received sentences that were as long as white offenders with prior …show more content…

As of 2021, the United States has an incarceration rate of 639 per 100,000 people, which is the highest in the world. The majority of the prison population in the United States is made up of people who have been convicted of non-violent crimes such as drug offenses and property crimes.
Racial Disparities in the Prison System
There is a significant racial disparity in the American prison system. According to a report by The Sentencing Project, black Americans are incarcerated at a rate that is five times higher than white Americans. Furthermore, Hispanic Americans are incarcerated at a rate that is 1.4 times higher than white Americans. The report also found that black Americans make up 40% of the prison population despite only representing 13% of the overall population.
One of the primary factors that determine a prison sentence is the severity of the crime committed. However, there is evidence to suggest that race can also play a role in the sentencing process. A study conducted by the United States Sentencing Commission found that black male offenders receive sentences that are 19.1% longer than white male offenders for similar crimes. The study also found that Hispanic male offenders receive sentences that are 8.6% longer than white male

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