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Twenty other studies in the nation have found similar results in their studies. It has also been found that the race of the defendant plays a major role in whether or not he or she is sentenced to death. Blacks tend to be overrepresented in shootings that include robberies, while white offenders are more likely to commit crimes that involve rape and violence to the victim during the murder. Despite the fact that the evidence shows that crimes committed by whites are often more brutal or more apt to involve vulnerable individuals, blacks are 1.75 times more likely than whites to receive the death penalty. Many proponents of the death penalty, including the Supreme Court, believe that racial disparities are not unconstitutional. Opponents, however, believe that
... This disparity is clearly a human rights issue. It offers evidence of the fact that there is a great deal of unevenness that takes place during the sentencing process. Black criminals are more likely than whites to receive the death penalty. In addition, criminals who commit crimes against whites tend to receive harsher sentences than those who commit crimes against blacks. My opinion is that the race of the defendant itself should not be a factor during sentencing. Criminals who commit similar crimes should receive similar sentences regardless of their race. Additionally, individuals who commit crimes against others that result in loss of life should receive punishment according to the severity of the crime that they committed rather than upon the race of the victim.
Works Cited
Phillip, David. "Capital Punishment." New York Times. New York Times, 18 Dec. 2009. Web. 16 Mar. 2010.
Liptak, Adam. "A New Look at Death Sentences and Race." New York Times. New York Times, 19 Apr. 2008. Web. 16 Mar. 2010.
Works Cited
Phillip, David. "Capital Punishment." New York Times. New York Times, 18 Dec. 2009. Web. 16 Mar. 2010. <http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/c/capital_punishment/index.html>
Liptak, Adam. "A New Look at Death Sentences and Race." New York Times. New York Times, 19 Apr. 2008. Web. 16 Mar. 2010. <http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/29/us/29bar.html>
Studies consistently and generally show that, all factors held constant, the race of the accused is a critical variable in determining who will be sentenced to death. Black citizens are, thus, subjected to double discrimination. From initial charging decisions to plea bargaining to sentencing by the jury, Black defendants receive harsh treatment and, as victims, their lives are given less value than whites. Most juries still consist of all
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