Racial Disparity In The Use Of The Death Penalty

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Racial Disparities in the Application of the Death Penalty CJA/344 Racial Disparities in the Application of the Death Penalty In 1995, while visiting family in Mississippi, 14-year-old Emmett Till was kidnapped and heartlessly murdered by two adult White males. The two males, J.W. Millam and Roy Bryant were charged with kidnapping and murder; however, even though the evidence clearly and irrefutably pointed to their guilt, the jury acquitted them. Later, the two men admitted their guilt by openly discussing the murder. Sadly and unbelievably, these twisted, cold-blooded murderers were never brought to justice. No one in this country can honestly say or believe there is justice and equality for all. Racial disparities are evident throughout the entire system. One would think when imposing the ultimate punishment, it would be free of unjustness. However, this is not the case because evidence of racism in the imposition of the death penalty is clearly recognizable. Within this paper, racial disparities in the application of the death penalty will not only be addressed but also it will address the prosecutor’s role, influential factors, statistics, and the efforts that need to be implemented to reduce racial disparities in the death penalty. Racial Disparity The issues surrounding the death penalty is arguably one of the most controversial social issues in the world. One of the more significant controversies regarding the death penalty is whether its application is mired in patterns of racial bias. This biased attitude toward minorities has and continues to lead to racial disparities in imposing the death penalty. In regard to racial disparities within the justice system, there are varied definitions that range from differences that may unconsciously imply unfairness to differences that result from overt discrimination. Where along this continuum

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