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Racial Disparities in the Criminal Legal System: Shadows of Doubt and Beyond

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  • Amanda Y. Agan

Abstract

Racial disparities permeate every single stage of the criminal legal process. In Shadows of Doubt: Stereotypes, Crime, and the Pursuit of Justice, Brendan O'Flaherty and Rajiv Sethi shed light on the stereotype-driven biases that contribute to these disparities. In this article, I review the compelling evidence in the book and expand upon it by outlining the myriad intertwining mechanisms contributing to racial disparities in criminal legal contact. I argue that reducing stereotype-driven biases is a crucial step toward equity, but a broader systemic overhaul is necessary to substantively address the entrenched racial biases in the criminal legal system.

Suggested Citation

  • Amanda Y. Agan, 2024. "Racial Disparities in the Criminal Legal System: Shadows of Doubt and Beyond," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 62(2), pages 761-806, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:jeclit:v:62:y:2024:i:2:p:761-806
    DOI: 10.1257/jel.20221569
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • K14 - Law and Economics - - Basic Areas of Law - - - Criminal Law
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law

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