Inequality in the Criminal Justice System: Understanding the Disparities

Inequality in the Criminal Justice System: Understanding the Disparities

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to explain the reasons why some groups in America experience greater inequality in the criminal justice system than others.

What do you already know about the disparities in the criminal justice system?

Introduction to Inequality

Inequality in the criminal justice system refers to the uneven treatment of individuals based on their race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and other factors.

Historical Context

Historical injustices, such as slavery, segregation, and discriminatory laws, have created systemic inequalities that persist in the criminal justice system today.

Policing Practices

Certain communities, particularly communities of color, have experienced over-policing, racial profiling, and harsher enforcement of laws, leading to disproportionate representation in the criminal justice system.

Sentencing Disparities

Studies have shown that people from marginalized groups receive longer and harsher sentences compared to their counterparts for similar offenses.

Economic Inequity

Individuals from low-income backgrounds often face barriers in accessing quality legal representation, leading to unequal treatment in the criminal justice system.

Reform Efforts

Various organizations and movements have advocated for criminal justice reform to address the disparities and create a more equitable system.

Case Studies

Examine specific cases from 2020-2023 that highlight the disparities experienced by different groups in the criminal justice system.

Reflection and Discussion

Reflect on the lessons learned and engage in a discussion about potential strategies for reducing inequality in the criminal justice system.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.