Aaron P Schauer 1/20/2024 CJ-120 Professor Nolan
Views The cultural perspective I have chosen to delve into, apart from my own, is that of African Americans. Being an African American in contemporary society brings forth challenges and hardships that may be difficult to fully comprehend. One of the most significant challenges faced by African Americans is associated with the criminal justice system. There is a notable disparity in the perception of the nation's criminal justice system, with African Americans more likely than whites to assert its racial bias and view its treatment of minorities as a serious national issue. While this may sound like a mere statement, statistical evidence supports this claim. A recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center reveals that 79% of Black respondents, in contrast to 32% of their White counterparts, believe that the treatment of racial and ethnic minorities by the criminal justice system constitutes a substantial problem in the United States. The disparities in views on the criminal justice system extend beyond its perceived fairness, encompassing various questions related to crime, policing, and the utilization of computer algorithms in parole decisions, among others. People of color, particularly African Americans, not only hold distinct perspectives but are also more likely than Whites to have firsthand experiences with and engage in discussions about racial inequality and discrimination. According to a national survey conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2016, a significant 71% of Black respondents reported personal experiences of discrimination or unfair treatment based on their race or ethnicity, in stark contrast to the 30% reported by White respondents. Misunderstandings An instance exemplifying a language misunderstanding within the criminal justice system for African Americans involves a court reporter in Philadelphia. The phrase "He don't be in that neighborhood" was transcribed as "We going to be in this neighborhood," conveying the opposite
meaning - that someone is not typically present in that neighborhood. Researchers conducted a study where audio recordings of sentences spoken in African American English were played, and 27 stenographers working in Philadelphia courthouses were asked to transcribe them. The study revealed that, on average, the court reporters made errors in two out of every five sentences. These findings carry significant implications, as errors or misinterpretations in courtroom transcripts can adversely affect the official court record, potentially harming defendants, according to researchers and legal experts. Professional Practices 1. Understanding the Public: a. Description of Practice: Empowering community residents to voice real issues fosters engagement. Law enforcement can enhance involvement by educating students on criminal justice in schools. Understanding the community offers law enforcement a chance to see issues from their perspective, facilitating collaborative problem-solving for effective solutions. b. Possible Outcomes: i. Fosters trust between LEO's and the community. ii. Enhanced community-oriented policing. iii. Collaborative resolution for community issues. 2. Diversity Training: a. Description of Practice: Providing police with diverse training ensures understanding of the challenges faced by various races and cultures. Lack of knowledge about community members' cultures and religions may lead to