“We cannot run society for the privileged and allow a significant proportion of the population to be marginalized. It impacts the quality of life for all of us if we have “throw away” people. A justice system which tolerates injustice is doomed to collapse.”
-Leonard Noisette, Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem, N.Y.

The problem of racial disparity in the criminal justice system is one of the most challenging facing American societies today. Many of the racial tensions and problems in society are seen in high-profile criminal cases and in the work of the prison and jail population nationally.

Addressing these problems is critical for many reasons. If the criminal justice system is to be viewed as effective and fair, then it needs the support and cooperation of all citizens and all communities. The perception of bias or unwarranted disparities can only interfere with the development of confidence and trust that is critical to effective crime control policies.

Criminal justice system cannot eliminate all disparities. The high rates of juvenile minority involvement in the system reflect a complex set of social, economic, and community problems. But the Criminal justice system does have the opportunity, and the obligation, to address those disparities over which it has some control or influence. This may involve the use of resources, discretion, leadership, and coordination among the characters in the system.

The Justice system also has the challenge of undertaking a leadership role in the way that the nation addresses racial disparities generally. If jurisdictions can put in policies and practices that successfully reduce disparities in the criminal justice system, then policymakers in other fields can learn from the success and adapt to those successful practices and policies.