The Supreme Court has been at the center of trying to eliminate the racial bias that has been witnessed in the war against the drugs. The elimination of the bias has been pegged on the application of the fourth amendment which prevents unreasonable searches by the police.  From the statistics, it is evident that blacks are more arrested than whites. The probability of blacks being searched is very high compared to a white (Hustwit, 2019). Other minority races are also more arrested than the dominant whites. The courts have therefore been at the forefront in trying to use the fourth amendment aspects to protect the minority.

QUESTION

Discussion Questions

1. What has been the role of the Supreme Court in addressing racial bias since the beginning of the Drug War?

The Supreme Court has been at the center of trying to eliminate the racial bias that has been witnessed in the war against the drugs. The elimination of the bias has been pegged on the application of the fourth amendment which prevents unreasonable searches by the police.  From the statistics, it is evident that blacks are more arrested than whites. The probability of blacks being searched is very high compared to a white (Hustwit, 2019). Other minority races are also more arrested than the dominant whites. The courts have therefore been at the forefront in trying to use the fourth amendment aspects to protect the minority.

2. Compare the “Old Jim Crow” system to the “New Jim Crow” system. What similarities? What differences? Purposes? Methods?

On the similarities, both the old and the new Jim Crow systems still practice legalized discrimination. In a majority of instances, still many young African-Americans still suffer systemic discrimination largely arising from the selective application of law in aspects like drug charges. Secondly, many African-Americans are still unable to participate fully as members of the jury. In most instances the jury is made up of only whites.

On the differences, racial discrimination from the political class is not same. In the new Jim Crow system, the political class avoids racial statements because it is not socially acceptable. The current social constructs have labelled racial slurs as unacceptable hence in the new Jim Crow it is avoided. In the Old Jim Crow, racial slurs or statements against for example blacks was rampant because it was socially not seen as a mistake.

3. What do we feel is a reasonable response to those in possession of drugs currently defined as illegal? To those currently selling drugs that are currently defined as illegal?

The reasonable response to those in possession of illegal drugs is that they will face harsh penalties in courts if found. The majority of people in jails across the USA are largely facing drug-related jail convictions. Having illegal drugs is a very risky affair because the courts have over the years provided harsh rulings if found guilty. To those selling illegal drugs, they must desist. The current laws related to drug possession have over the years proved to be very stringent to culprits and selling the drugs might attract a harsher penalty. Therefore, they must stop selling the drugs so that they are not jailed for many years.

References

Hustwit, W. P. (2019). Integration now: Alexander v. Holmes and the end of Jim Crow education.

ANSWER

 The Supreme Court’s Role in Addressing Racial Bias in the Drug War and the Comparison between the “Old Jim Crow” and “New Jim Crow” Systems

Introduction

The role of the Supreme Court in addressing racial bias in the context of the drug war has been significant. The Court has focused on eliminating bias by applying the Fourth Amendment, which prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures by the police. Racial disparities in drug-related arrests and searches have been observed, with black individuals being disproportionately targeted. This essay explores the Supreme Court’s role in combating racial bias, compares the “Old Jim Crow” and “New Jim Crow” systems, and discusses the reasonable responses to individuals in possession of and selling drugs classified as illegal.

The Supreme Court’s Role in Addressing Racial Bias in the Drug War

 Fourth Amendment and Protection against Unreasonable Searches:

    Disproportionate arrests and searches of minorities.

    Supreme Court cases addressing racial bias, such as Whren v. United States (1996).

    Efforts to protect minority rights and ensure equal treatment under the law (Kerr & Jackson, 2016).

Comparing the “Old Jim Crow” and “New Jim Crow” Systems

Similarities

   Persistence of legalized discrimination.

   Systemic racial bias, particularly in drug charges.

    Limited representation of minorities on juries (Review: The New Jim Crow Is the Old Jim Crow on JSTOR, n.d.).

Differences

    Evolving social norms and avoidance of explicit racial statements in the “New Jim Crow” system.

   Rampant racial slurs and openly discriminatory practices in the “Old Jim Crow” era.

Reasonable Responses to Drug Possession and Sales

Individuals in Possession of Illegal Drugs

    Harsh penalties and consequences for drug possession.

    High incarceration rates for drug-related offenses.

   The importance of prevention, education, and rehabilitation in reducing drug use.

Individuals Selling Illegal Drugs

   Urging individuals to cease drug sales.

   Stringent laws and penalties for drug trafficking.

   The need for comprehensive approaches, including addressing socioeconomic factors and providing alternative opportunities (Knoester & Au, 2015).

Conclusion

The Supreme Court has played a vital role in combating racial bias in the drug war by applying constitutional principles and protecting the rights of minorities. Although progress has been made, the persistence of systemic discrimination is evident in the “New Jim Crow” system, albeit in more subtle forms. It is crucial to continue addressing racial disparities in arrests, searches, and jury representation. Responding to drug possession and sales requires a balanced approach that combines enforcement with prevention, education, rehabilitation, and socioeconomic interventions. By striving for fairness and equity, society can work towards a more just and inclusive future.

References

Kerr, J., & Jackson, T. (2016). Stigma, sexual risks, and the war on drugs: Examining drug policy and HIV/AIDS inequities among African Americans using the Drug War HIV/AIDS Inequities Model. International Journal of Drug Policy, 37, 31–41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2016.07.007 

Knoester, M., & Au, W. (2015). Standardized testing and school segregation: like tinder for fire? Race Ethnicity and Education, 20(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1080/13613324.2015.1121474 

Review: The New Jim Crow Is the Old Jim Crow on JSTOR. (n.d.). https://www.jstor.org/stable/45389485