Assignment Overview:

Over the past several decades, scholars have debated whether sentencing outcomes and correctional practices in the United States are influenced by race, ethnicity, gender, and other identity factors. While overt discrimination has declined, racial and ethnic disparities persist across many stages of the criminal justice process, from jury selection to sentencing, and from incarceration to reentry.

This assignment challenges you to apply the key concepts from Unit 3 and Unit 4 to a real-world example of disparity in sentencing or corrections. You will analyze how identity factors intersect with justice system decision-making, and what reforms may be necessary to address these disparities.

Instructions:

Write a 1,000–1,200 word essay that addresses the following:

1. Case Selection and Overview
   Choose a recent criminal case (within the past 10 years) in which issues of race, ethnicity, or gender were publicly discussed in relation to the sentence or correctional outcome. Briefly summarize the case facts, legal outcome, and media/public response.

2. Sentencing Analysis
   Drawing from Unit 3, analyze how sentencing disparities may have been present in the case. Did factors such as race, gender, prior record, or victim identity appear to influence the sentencing decision? Use the focal concerns perspective and other relevant course concepts to support your analysis.

3. Corrections and Reentry Context
   Using insights from Unit 4, discuss how the corrections system (including incarceration or probation/parole outcomes) may have affected or been influenced by the defendant’s identity. Were there any barriers or advantages noted in their treatment, placement, or opportunities for reentry?

4. Policy and Practice Recommendations
   Propose two evidence-based recommendations that could improve sentencing fairness and/or correctional outcomes for individuals from marginalized communities. Support your proposals with course readings or academic sources.

Requirements:

• APA 7th Edition formatting and citation style

• Title page and reference page required (not included in word count)

• 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced, 1-inch margins

• Use at least three credible sources, including at least one from Unit 3 or 4 readings

Evaluation Criteria:

• Case Relevance and Description (15 pts) – Appropriate selection and clear summary of the case

• Depth of Sentencing and Corrections Analysis (15 pts) – Insightful integration of course concepts and evidence

• Policy Relevance (10 pts) – Realistic and well-supported recommendations

• Source Use and APA (5 pts) – Proper citation of sources and formatting throughout

• Writing Quality (5 pts) – Clear, organized, and professional academic writing