Ethnic minorities in USA and UK jail - Essay Example

In the contemporary era, it has been evident that there are about two adults in Jail for every Afro-Caribbean male. This ratio is clearly observable in the prisons of United States of America. Several scholarly reports signify that the prisons of United Kingdom have higher ratio of black prisoners as compared to the white population. Around 27 percent of the prison population in Wales and England identify themselves as belonging from ethic minority groups. The black convicts of UK and USA are five times higher than that of the white convicts.

The police and the judicial system of USA and UK constitute maximum officials from the major group of the society i.e. the white population. Therefore, the jurisdiction system of UK and USA are criticized by many civil societies across the world. There are mainly three broad explanations that have been brought forward in the favour of the possibility for higher number of minority prisoners in UK and USA. First of all, disproportionate criminality can be a reason. The persons belonging from different ethnicities and minority groups have higher tendency to commit crimes.

Secondly, the jurisdiction, detection of crimes and prosecution are more likely to be charged against the minority groups under the light of limited evidences. Thirdly, disproportionate conviction can be a major reason behind sentencing minority group prisoners for longer imprisonment. It is important to note that the relationship between criminality and race is perplexing. Several debates and critics have surrounded the jurisdiction system of UK and USA with respect to fair treatment with the respective populations.

This essay highlights the important factors that have over-represented ethnic minorities in USA and UK prisons. The proportion of black people in prison in United States is lower compared to England and Wales. Politicians and experts have stated that