Race and Justice

Isom Scott, Deena A.; Whiting, Serita; Grosholz, Jessica M.

doi: 10.1177/2153368720930409pmid: N/A

Since the initial articulation of general strain theory (GST), Agnew has suggested strains may function differently—in type, response, and impact—for different groups. We build upon Pérez and colleagues’ foundational arguments for a Latinx GST by investigating the role of the ethnically specific strains they propose in addition to other strains argued to disproportionately impact people of Color. Furthermore, we examine the protective role of positive ethnic identity against the negative effects of strainful experiences for Latinxs. Using a sample of Latinx youth from the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods, we highlight not only the unique strains faced by Latinxs in America, but how they distinctly experience and respond to criminogenic strains.

Connor, Tyrell A.

doi: 10.1177/2153368720948109pmid: N/A

Current research has found racial disparities in outcomes of problem-solving courts throughout the country. However, most of the research has not explored the causes of these racial disparities. This research qualitatively explores two prominent community courts in the northeast. Themes emerge about courtroom racial dynamics through courtroom observations and semi-structured interviews. The findings indicate that the racial makeup of the staff and judges play a role in maintaining a therapeutic rapport with non-white participants. Suggestions on how problem-solving courts can potentially improve racial dynamics are discussed.

Stratton, Greg; Sigamoney, Alyssa

doi: 10.1177/2153368720922294pmid: N/A

While criminal justice systems are increasingly prepared to identify and overturn wrongful convictions, the focus of limiting errors has centered upon commonly accepted “causal factors” of wrongful conviction. Importantly, there has been limited work that has explored the question of who is most vulnerable to fall victim to this error. We explore three landmark case studies highlighting wrongful convictions in Australia where race, racialized policing, or racism were crucial yet unresolved issues leading to an erroneous conviction. These cases and the absence of resolutions of these racialized issues in these convictions typify the inadequacies of Australian approaches to wrongful conviction. We argue that to achieve justice in Australia we must not be limited to the causal factors that have come to define American innocence and should support greater acknowledgment of how race and ethnicity influence wrongful conviction.