This course provides critical examination of one of the most complex questions facing American society: Why are African Americans grossly over-represented in the American criminal justice system? For some, the answer to this question is a simple accusation that the system is racist in design and implementation. It is easy to point to familiar statistics (African Americans are eight times more likely to be incarcerated than whites) to buttress their claim. Yet, statistics must open the debate, not end it. Careful empirical research strongly suggests overt discrimination plays a relatively modest role in producing the current situation. A significant portion of the course will introduce students to rigorous definitions of what discrimination means and to the methodologies utilized to assess the presence of various forms of discrimination. In turn, it will be shown that explanations for the disparities haunting the U.S. criminal justice system are more nuanced and complex than what commonly presented in mainstream media. Drawing from a multiplicity of disciplines, including law, history, sociology, political science, economics, and criminology, this course will attempt to shed light on this puzzling American problem.
- Teacher: Stephane Mechoulan