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Race and Ethnicity in Criminal Justice

Description: This quiz is designed to assess your understanding of the complex relationship between race, ethnicity, and the criminal justice system. It covers various aspects such as racial profiling, disparities in sentencing, and the impact of implicit bias on policing.
Number of Questions: 15
Created by:
Tags: race ethnicity criminal justice racial profiling sentencing disparities implicit bias
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What is the term used to describe the practice of targeting individuals for suspicion of criminal activity based solely on their race or ethnicity?

  1. Racial Profiling

  2. Racial Discrimination

  3. Racial Bias

  4. Racial Stereotyping


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Racial profiling is the practice of targeting individuals for suspicion of criminal activity based solely on their race or ethnicity, rather than on any individual behavior or evidence.

Which of the following is NOT a factor that contributes to racial disparities in sentencing?

  1. Implicit Bias

  2. Lack of Diversity in the Judicial System

  3. Socioeconomic Status

  4. Prior Criminal Record


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

While socioeconomic status can impact an individual's likelihood of being arrested or convicted, it is not a direct factor in sentencing disparities. Implicit bias, lack of diversity in the judicial system, and prior criminal record are all factors that contribute to racial disparities in sentencing.

What is the term used to describe the unconscious and often unintentional biases that can influence decision-making, including in the criminal justice system?

  1. Implicit Bias

  2. Explicit Bias

  3. Racial Profiling

  4. Racial Discrimination


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Implicit bias refers to the unconscious and often unintentional biases that can influence decision-making, including in the criminal justice system. These biases can lead to unfair or discriminatory outcomes, even when individuals are not consciously aware of them.

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of racial profiling?

  1. Increased distrust of law enforcement

  2. Higher rates of incarceration for people of color

  3. Reduced public safety

  4. Improved police-community relations


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Racial profiling has numerous negative consequences, including increased distrust of law enforcement, higher rates of incarceration for people of color, and reduced public safety. It does not lead to improved police-community relations.

What is the term used to describe the overrepresentation of people of color in the criminal justice system, from arrest to sentencing?

  1. Mass Incarceration

  2. Racial Disproportionality

  3. Racial Profiling

  4. Implicit Bias


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Racial disproportionality refers to the overrepresentation of people of color in the criminal justice system, from arrest to sentencing. This disparity is not due to higher crime rates among people of color, but rather to systemic biases and discrimination.

Which of the following is NOT a strategy to address racial disparities in the criminal justice system?

  1. Diversion Programs

  2. Implicit Bias Training

  3. Increased Diversity in the Judicial System

  4. Mandatory Minimum Sentencing


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Mandatory minimum sentencing laws contribute to racial disparities in the criminal justice system by requiring harsh sentences for certain crimes, regardless of individual circumstances. Diversion programs, implicit bias training, and increased diversity in the judicial system are all strategies to address these disparities.

What is the term used to describe the practice of stopping and searching individuals without probable cause, often based on race or ethnicity?

  1. Stop-and-Frisk

  2. Racial Profiling

  3. Implicit Bias

  4. Mass Incarceration


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Stop-and-Frisk is the practice of stopping and searching individuals without probable cause, often based on race or ethnicity. This practice has been found to be unconstitutional and discriminatory.

Which of the following is NOT a factor that contributes to the overrepresentation of people of color in the criminal justice system?

  1. Poverty

  2. Lack of Education

  3. Racial Profiling

  4. Genetic Predisposition


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Genetic predisposition is not a factor that contributes to the overrepresentation of people of color in the criminal justice system. Poverty, lack of education, and racial profiling are all factors that contribute to this disparity.

What is the term used to describe the practice of targeting certain neighborhoods or communities for increased police surveillance and enforcement, often based on race or ethnicity?

  1. Racial Profiling

  2. Stop-and-Frisk

  3. Broken Windows Policing

  4. Mass Incarceration


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Broken Windows Policing is the practice of targeting certain neighborhoods or communities for increased police surveillance and enforcement, often based on race or ethnicity. This practice has been criticized for its discriminatory impact and its failure to reduce crime.

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of racial disparities in the criminal justice system?

  1. Increased distrust of law enforcement

  2. Higher rates of recidivism

  3. Reduced public safety

  4. Improved economic opportunities


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Racial disparities in the criminal justice system have numerous negative consequences, including increased distrust of law enforcement, higher rates of recidivism, and reduced public safety. They do not lead to improved economic opportunities.

What is the term used to describe the practice of using algorithms and data analysis to predict an individual's likelihood of committing a crime, often based on race or ethnicity?

  1. Racial Profiling

  2. Predictive Policing

  3. Implicit Bias

  4. Mass Incarceration


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Predictive Policing is the practice of using algorithms and data analysis to predict an individual's likelihood of committing a crime, often based on race or ethnicity. This practice has been criticized for its discriminatory impact and its potential to exacerbate racial disparities in the criminal justice system.

Which of the following is NOT a strategy to reduce racial disparities in the criminal justice system?

  1. Diversion Programs

  2. Implicit Bias Training

  3. Increased Diversity in the Judicial System

  4. Cash Bail


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Cash bail contributes to racial disparities in the criminal justice system by creating a wealth-based barrier to pretrial release. Diversion programs, implicit bias training, and increased diversity in the judicial system are all strategies to reduce these disparities.

What is the term used to describe the practice of using excessive force by law enforcement, often against people of color?

  1. Police Brutality

  2. Racial Profiling

  3. Implicit Bias

  4. Mass Incarceration


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Police Brutality is the practice of using excessive force by law enforcement, often against people of color. This practice has been a major source of tension and conflict between law enforcement and communities of color.

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of police brutality?

  1. Increased distrust of law enforcement

  2. Higher rates of recidivism

  3. Reduced public safety

  4. Improved police-community relations


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Police brutality has numerous negative consequences, including increased distrust of law enforcement, higher rates of recidivism, and reduced public safety. It does not lead to improved police-community relations.

What is the term used to describe the practice of using racial slurs or other racially offensive language by law enforcement?

  1. Racial Profiling

  2. Police Brutality

  3. Racial Harassment

  4. Implicit Bias


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Racial Harassment is the practice of using racial slurs or other racially offensive language by law enforcement. This practice creates a hostile and intimidating environment for people of color and undermines trust in law enforcement.

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