Race And Justice
Structural discrimination and unjust policing, prosecution, and incarceration practices unfairly impact Black communities. Building a just system urgently demands reform.
NAACP FACTS
Black Men are five times more likely to be stopped without just cause than a white person
When we see policies that unfairly target or penalize Black people in the criminal justice system, we must address these issues where they are — with laws and legislation, and with elected and appointed leaders. Policy recommendations that have been sent to President Biden by the NAACP to eliminate race based discrimination in policing, courts, and incarceration.
President Biden should accelerate compassionate release consideration of all federal prisoners over the age of 60 and order the immediate release of as many people as possible.
Police agencies without the policies, training, and databases in place should not be able to receive grants and other funding. Other practices to increase police accountability include an end to qualified immunity and a national database to document violent and fatal encounters with police.
A vision and strategy for securing strong, diverse representation on the courts for decades to come that includes civil rights lawyers is long overdue.
Congress must fund local communities to respond to resident’s mental health and substance abuse needs.
President Biden must direct the Attorney General to instruct federal prosecutors to refrain from engaging in practices that lead to higher sentences, such as seeking sentencing enhancements or life without the possibility of parole for young people.
Criminal Justice Facts
The criminal justice system is heavily impacted by the bias of police mentality, as well as outdated judicial precedents. It is largely driven by racial disparities, which directly obstruct and deconstruct our minority communities.
Data from official NAACP website | naacp.org/resources/criminal-justice-fact-sheet