Devry JADM490 Week 6 Discussion (dq1+dq2) Latest 2019 November

JADM490 SENIOR PROJECT I

Week 6 Discussion

DQ1 RACIAL DISPARITY

There are a disproportionate number of minorities in prison. Does this mean that minorities commit more crimes? Data demonstrates that Blacks are 20% more likely than Whites to be sentenced to incarceration, even though they are convicted of the same crime (Hansen, 2013). Some might argue that judges are biased against minorities, and this could occur. Are there other reasons why minorities may be treated more harshly? Discuss any charging or statutory causes.

DQ2 FORENSIC SCIENCE AND THE COURTS

The advances in DNA and forensic science have led to the exoneration of some prisoners who were convicted long before this science became available. However, a prisoner who might challenge his conviction by asking for DNA testing must jump a number of legal hurdles to have the issue considered by a court. Even a prisoner who does get a hearing on his request may wait months for the court to rule. How should the process be modified to allow these cases to be addressed more rapidly? It's insufficient to simply say the judges should rule more quickly or that a law should be passed. Can you outline a process that could accommodate these requests and provide that innocent prisoners are released more quickly?