Disparity and Discrimination

Disparity and Discrimination

Kary L. Wilson

CJA/344 Cultural Diversity in Criminal Justice

December 5, 2011

Benjamin Harm

Disparity and Discrimination

This assignment will compare and contrast the terms disparity and discrimination.

Sufficient background and examples of disparity and discrimination from the criminal justice

system will be used to support persuasively the development of each term. First, the term

disparity will be defined, developed, and supported with examples from the criminal justice

system. Second, the term discrimination will be brought into focus, defined, and supported

accordingly. Third, the similarities, and differences between the terms will be brought into

discussion. The assignment will conclude by defining the applicability of the problem as it

relates to these terms and will attempt to suggest a solution in curbing or even eliminating

discrimination and disparity within the system.

It is often said that the American Criminal Justice System directly discriminates against

minorities based on race, gender, ethnicity, religion, and economic status. To clarify the

credibility of such statement, one must be able to understand that deeply weaved within such

claim stands the issue of disparity. Disparity and discrimination are two important social factors

affecting the American socio-cultural aspects, especially those aspects related to the criminal

justice system. Often, these similar terms are used interchangeably, however, they differ in

many ways.

Primarily, according to Webster’s dictionary disparity is defined as the "lack of

similarity or equality; inequality; difference" or "the state of being different or dissimilar.” This

term involves a lack of equality between individuals or groups. Its meaning includes factors such

as racial composition, offender’s gender, social class, criminal history, ethnic or religious

background, and more recently it even involves...