Racial disparities are very common in the United States criminal justice system for a long time. African-Americans are imprisoned in proportions six times higher than whites, and three percent of all African-American males are currently incarcerated in a state or federal prison. There are many causes that explain racial disparities in prison, including practices to combat drug trafficking. For example, whites and African-Americans commit drug offenses at comparable levels, but the rates of arrest, prosecution and imprisonment for these crimes are vastly different.
Although African Americans make up only 13 percent of the US population, they make up 31 percent of all drug arrests, and 41 percent of state prisoners and 42 percent of federal
Although African Americans make up only 13 percent of the US population, they make up 31 percent of all drug arrests, and 41 percent of state prisoners and 42 percent of federal