What Makes A Right Act Right And What It A Wrong Act...

What makes a right act right and what makes a wrong act wrong? These are the quintessential questions when evaluating the philosophy of ethics. Throughout time, man, through trial and error, has made many leaps forward to finding the ‘answers’ to these imposing questions. Two theories in particular, utilitarianism and Kantianism, formulate opposing sides of the spectrum that is ethics. While one focuses on the overall happiness, or utility, of people, the other focuses on the individual’s principles and rights. Although many people find themselves in the middles of utilitarianism and Kantianism, more often than not, one is more empowering than the other, and that would be utilitarianism. Utilitarianism begins with Jeremy Bentham. Born in 1748, Bentham was an English reformer and philosopher who is considered to be the father of utilitarianism. He believed that there was a certain value, or utility, that could be placed on an object in regard to its ability to prod uce pleasure or happiness. This general basis of utilitarianism is the foundation to the modern definition, as provided by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary: â€Å"The belief that a morally good action is one that helps the greatest number of people.† For example, if a utilitarian had to choose between harming a single relative or five strangers, they would choose the one relative, creating for the greatest amount of overall happiness. Essentially, utilitarianism is calculating the consequences of an action, andShow MoreRelatedWhat Makes A Right Act Right And Wrong Act Wrong?1444 Words   |  6 Pagesethics in how humans act and why they act the way they do people consider how one should act and it examines the right and wrong acts of peoples actions. Each philosopher that we have learned in class have their own views and ideas in what makes a right act right and a wrong act wrong. Their is one philosopher that we learned in class named Thomas Aquinas whom I believe has the bes t idea of what makes right acts right and wrong acts wrong. In this essay I will argue that an act is right if it accords withRead MoreWhat Is An Intuitive Moral Judgment Essay1281 Words   |  6 Pages2016 Quiz #1 1. What is an intuitive moral judgment? 5 points An intuitive moral judgment is immediate judgment that requires no thinking or reflection. In other words, an intuitive moral judgment is simply a judgment we make with a minimum of thinking about it. An intuitive moral judgment is an automatic response to our understanding of a situation or an action. Many moral psychologists believe that moral intuitions are mainly based on our feelings rather than reasoning. 2. What is the differenceRead MoreComparison Between Aristotle And Socrates1174 Words   |  5 Pagesakrasia and what it involves. Aristotle believes that the akratic person does wrong even though he/she knows what is right, but that he/she is driven by passions, emotions and motivations. Socrates believes that if a person knows what they are doing is wrong, he/she will not engage in it, as they are aware of the outcome and no one desires negative outcomes. Socrates believes that people s wrong doings are a result of ignorance and that they lack the knowledge to know right from wrong. I agree withRead MoreMoral Theory Of Max Act Utilitarianism1576 Words   |  7 Pages Max Act Utilitarianism Kirill Parshin University of San Francisco  Ethics is all about principles of right conduct. Under the umbrella term, consequentialism has a much more specific moral theory known as max act utilitarianism. Max act utilitarianism is one of the most well known and influential theories that provides the best notion for the theory of right conduct. After a brief explanation of act utilitarianism, the argument of this paper will then seek to favor why act utilitarianismRead MoreWhat Is Right And Wrong?958 Words   |  4 PagesWhat is right and wrong?† and â€Å"What is Truth?† Life is characterized by many situations that require decision making, especially on ethical and moral grounds. The issue of what makes an action right and wrong has been studied for a very long time and several theories developed to address this issue. Socrates and Aristotle are some of the early philosophers who came up with theories about the rightness or wrongness of our actions. As noted by Warnek (2005), Socrates considered self-knowledge as necessityRead MoreSocrates And Aristotle On Ethical And Moral Grounds978 Words   |  4 PagesAgree or disagree with the statement, â€Å"there is no objective right and wrong because people never agree about what is right and wrong†. What is right and wrong?† Life is characterized by many situations that require decision making, especially on ethical and moral grounds. The issue of what makes an action right and wrong has been studied for a very long time and several theories developed to address this issue. Socrates and Aristotle are some of the early philosophers who came up with theoriesRead MoreDescribe the Main Principles of the Two Normative Ethical Theories of Deontology and Utilitarianism. Compare and Contrast the Two Theories, Bringing Out Any Problems or Limitations You See in Each.1652 Words   |  7 Pages(1724-1804). The theory utilitarianism is the morality of an act that is judged by it’s utility. The greatest utility that is has for the most people; the greatest usefulness an act has for the most people. Utilitarianism states morality is not based in the act itself but in the consequences of the act. The utilitarian approach to morality implies that no moral act or rule is intrinsically right or wrong; it is the rightness or wrongness of an act or rule that is solely a matter of the overall nonmoralRead MoreRam s Morality And Morality1356 Words   |  6 PagesCullen Lemieux Period 2 World literature Mr. Neely Ram’s Morality Many people struggle or debate over the topic of morality, and many people are mistaken as to who really judges what is moral or immoral. The only person who can decide whether an act is morally right or wrong is God. Within Slumdog Millionaire, there are many actions and ideas that can be considered morally good or morally bad according to the Christian views of morality. Ram Muhammad Thomas is debated over when it comes to the topicRead More Ethics and Morality: Right and Wrong Essay1001 Words   |  5 Pages I strongly believe that some acts are morally right and others morally wrong. Though in society today I find many different people with many different opinions on this some issues. The way someone was raised or the experiences they have faced could be what has molded these beliefs. The differences between right and wrong are not always the same in each persons head and this is where we face controversy. Morals differ from person to person resulting in confrontation s dealing with moralityRead MoreUtilitarianism Essay529 Words   |  3 Pagesconsequentialist ethical theory. An action is right or wrong based on its consequences. John Stuart Mill was an important philosopher in developing the idea of utilitarianism. Utilitarianism holds that any action that results in a greater amount of happiness in the world is a right action and any action that results in pain or less happiness is wrong. Utilitarianism can be divided into different versions. Act utilitarianism is one of the versions of utilitarianism. Act utilitarianism’s goal is to maximize

Arthur vs Beowulf Essay - 726 Words

The viciously gallant epic Beowulf, Steve Baron’s capricious film Merlin, and Niccolo Machiavelli’s enlightening treatise The Prince all portray the struggle between good and evil, teach morals, and convey what it takes to be a superior king. Merlin has successfully brought up King Arthur to become a virtuous man and a worthy king who is exceptionally capable of fulfilling Machiavelli’s guidelines. For example, Machiavelli states in â€Å"Concerning Things for Which Men, and Especially Princes, are Blamed† from The Prince that â€Å"†¦a man who wishes to act entirely up to his professions of virtue soon meets with what destroys him among so much that is evil.† Merlin taught Arthur integrity and goodness. King Arthur takes this wisdom to build the†¦show more content†¦Beowulf will forever be praised for his heroic deed for â€Å"†¦no better king had ever/ Lived, no prince so mild, no man/ So open to his people, so deserving of pra ise† (l. 895-897). Overall, Beowulf is a better ruler than Arthur because although Arthur had remarkable morals and intentions, he was not praised nor respected like Beowulf. If there is no respect for a leader, than how can one be a â€Å"good† leader? Beowulf’s men cherished him and believed in him. They had his back for every choice he made. After Arthur decided to not accuse his wife of treason, some of his men betrayed and left him. Also, Beowulf had no gluttony and did not desire any gold or riches. He was generous and gave all to his people. For example, Beowulf admirably states, â€Å"I sold my life/ For this treasure and I sold it well† (l. 809-810). His relief upon seeing the treasure demonstrates his desire to leave something to his citizens. Beowulf made the Danes a peaceful people once again, making him one of their greatest kings and heroes. While Arthur had charismatic qualities and benevolent morals, Beowulf, in a modern society, would be most likeable because he was a more sufficient leader. Every hero desires to be remembered for more than one heroic inclination. To protect mankind from evil, to use his powers to rescue his family and friends from evil circumstances, and to earn immortality through his heroic tendencies are three important propensities. Three ofShow MoreRelatedThe Epic Of Beowulf As An Epic Hero711 Words   |  3 Pagesgood. The near ancient tale of Beowulf is a classic example of an epic story that contains an epic hero. In this tale Hrothgar, the king of the Danes, has been terrorized by a beast known as Grendel. This beast has been murdering the king’s people and no one has come close to stopping this killer. A Geat warrior named Beowulf hears of the King’s predicament and comes to rescue the Hrothgar and his people. Luckily for Hrothgar, Beowulf was truly an epic hero. Beowulf was willing to risk his life toRead MoreSir Gawain And The Merchant Of Venice899 Words   |  4 Pagesaccomplished by studying the main characters from Beowulf, Sir Gawain and The Merchant of Venice. Together, these different elements will show the long-term influences of compassion and how all three individuals are embracing its important attributes to varying degrees. Beowulf vs. Sir Gawain vs. The Merchant of Venice The three characters that will be examined include: Beowulf, Sir Gawain and Shylock. In the case of Beowulf, he was the ultimate hero who embraces theRead MoreThe Journies of Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Essay803 Words   |  4 PagesBeowulf vs. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight In the worlds of Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the journeys of two heroes, Beowulf and Sir Gawain, are depicted through the form of poems. The two stories have become two of the most important works of literature in the English history. In the two poems, both Beowulf and Sir Gawain face great challenges in their journeys as heroes. Beowulf embarks on a quest to defeat Grendel and his mother while Sir Gawain faces many difficulties on hisRead MoreThroughout a lifetime, only so much conflict could be bore upon oneself. There is always a1000 Words   |  4 PagesFrom my story Wuthering Heights to Beowulf and Canterbury Tales there are conflicts that have been exaggerated and then blown to preposterous proportions. In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight there are conflicts between man and man just like there are in the world we live in today. Conflicts in books or stories could show what is going on in the real world or what an author is thinking and making up.In Wuthering H eights there could be two different conflicts man vs. man, with the conflict between HeathcliffRead MoreBeowulf Vs. Sir Gawain879 Words   |  4 PagesBeowulf vs. Sir Gawain: An Ever Shifting Heroic Ideal The epic tale of Beowulf, formed during a remarkable tradition of Old English oral poetry, illuminates the epitome of true heroism. Though the precise date of Beowulf’s origin remains a mystery, the great long poem was later written down in the early eighth century by an unknown Anglo-Saxon author. The character of Beowulf the Geat is depicted as extraordinary unmatched in strength and valor as well as exceedingly boastful and proud. Like manyRead More Dragons in Beowulf and in Edmund Spenser’s The Faerie Queene1982 Words   |  8 PagesDragons in Beowulf and in Edmund Spenser’s The Faerie Queene When one usually thinks of a dragon, one thinks of dragon-slayers, adventure, damsels in distress, and cheap fantasy novels. Dragons in literature have not always been used for such meaningless entertainment. There are many precedents for dragons in medieval literature, two of the most prominent being in the Old English poem Beowulf and in Edmund Spenser’s The Faerie Queene. In both of these epic poems, dragons playRead MoreFate Vs. Free Will2263 Words   |  10 Pagesone side on fate vs free will. They feel as though you have no ultimate choice and fate will always be your destiny. However, that does not mean everyone follows their destined path until death. In Homer’s The Iliad, fate and destiny as the final outcomes of a person’s life, however, at some points you wonder if a person’s destiny falls directly in the decisions made by someone. Hektor and Achilles both had choices, but ultimately believed they must follow their destiny. In Beowulf, fate generallyRead MoreHow Tolkiens Life Influenced His Works3900 Words   |  16 PagesLexicography Academic Reader Professorship at Oxford Germanic Languages and Anglo-Saxon Friendship with C.S. Lewis Lewis’s influence on Tolkien Lewis and Tolkien and how their writing is similar Religion Iluvater and God Iluvater Biblical creation vs. The Silmarillion creation Melkor the Morgoth compared to Satan Melkor Corruption by sin and corrupted Valor Roman Catholic Foster father, Father Morgan Mother depended on faith after loss of husband Conclusion How Tolkien’s Life Influenced

Related Literature in Technology and Lifesyles free essay sample

This study examined the effects of computer use and other technologies, such as instant messaging, handheld gaming devices, and MPH players, and the impact they have on students peer relationships, academic involvement, and lately lifestyles. Results show both positive and negative effects on all three constructs of psychosocial development, including differences based on gender and race. Student engagement on campuses is different than it was a decade ago. According to Arena (2004), engagement is simply defined as the time and effort spent on activities (p. 0). Students still concentrate on Jan M. Lloyd is the director of student life at the University of South Florida in Alkaline in Orlando, FL. Laura A. Dean is assistant professor of counseling human development services at the University of Georgia in Athens, GA. Diane L. Cooper is a professor of counseling human development services at the University of Georgia in Athens, GA. 481 Unsparingly, 2007, Volvo. 44, no. 3 academics, participate in student organizations, and communicate with faculty and friends. However, with the introduction of technology, the ways that students communicate, interact, and engage in activities have changed. With online degrees, smart boards, whiteboards, chat tools, Internet video conferencing, digitized movies, and electronic libraries (Lenient, Madden, Within, 2005), college students have more access to and use of technology than any other generation. Technology has now moved into everyday use with the introduction of things such as Backbone in 2004 (Kim, 2005) and pods to listen to music and watch videos. Increasingly, students own, rather than just use, a variety of technological devices. A report by Kava and Caruso (2005) found that 62% of students own a desktop computer, while 55% own a laptop, 90% own a cellular phone, and 38% own a music device. Although some research has shown the impact computer and electronic mail use has on student learning, little research has been conducted to explore the impact of various types of technology use, including instant messaging, blobs, Pod, and Backbone on student development. In addition, little has been done to explore the differences between students based on gender and ethnicity.With the increase in technology use by students, higher education institutions are investing money into new technologies for college students in order to meet the needs and expectations of this technologically generation. Duke University gave pods to all incoming freshmen in 2004 as an experiment in education, student life, and technology (Carlson, 2004). Winnow State University gave laptops to their incoming students for 6 years and are now giving them tablet personal computers. University of Maryland in College Park gave away free Blackberrys (Carlson, 2004). The Campus Computing Project (Campus Computing, Retrieved April 3, 2005 from http:// www. Communicating. Net) found that 64% of higher education institutions surveyed have strategic plans for wireless networks (Wife) and that almost 29% of those institutions already have campus-wide Wife systems running. Research has shown that students are comfortable with and use electronic mail and the Internet for both academic and social reasons (Arena, 2005; SKU Huh, 2001). Kvass and Caruso (2005) found that students primarily use computers for electronic mail (99. ). 482 They also use computers for writing documents for coursework (98. 9%), surfing the Internet to support their coursework (98. 4%), and surfing the Internet for pleasure (94. 8%). In addition, 81 % of students use instant messaging, while 75% listen to music and 61% play computer games. On average, students in the 2005 study reported that they spend 11 to 15 hours a week using technology. Despite the increase in all types of technology, little is known about how these technologies impact student development (Lewis, Courses, Khan, 2001 ).A perception by colleges is that technology will have a positive impact on student learning. Academically, computers allow students to communicate with faculty more often (Arena, 2005), which can improve student-faculty relationships. Students claim to have a better understanding of course material through the use of technology in the classroom (Arena, 2005). Some research studies, however, have conflicting results. SKU and Vesper (2001 ) examined the relationship between students use of computers and students cognitive and intellectual development gains reported on the College Student Experiences Questionnaire.These 23 developmental gains include student reported gains such as writing clearly, ability to learn on own, understanding other people, and understanding science as some examples. Students who used computers more often outscored students with low use on every developmental gain. Students also scored significantly higher on learning how to function as a team member. The authors surmise that computers may make it easier for students to communicate with one another and therefore does not hinder students social skills.However, a study by Flower, Appeasable, and Pierson (2000) examined the extent of computer and electronic mail use related to students cognitive and intellectual development. They found that computer and electronic mail use had little impact on composite cognitive development, reading comprehension, mathematics, and critical thinking. Finally, a study by SKU and Huh (2001) explored computer and information technology (CIT) use and learning and development outcomes for students. They found no difference in technology use between ethnic groups. Men used CIT more often than women. First- year students used CIT less frequently than seniors. Regarding developmental outcomes, students reported that using electronic mail 483 Unsparingly, 2007, Volvo. 44, no. 3 increased their personal development in regards to their ability to get along tit others and understand themselves and increased their intellectual development in regards to their ability to write effectively and synthesize ideas. The use of electronic mail did not increase their general education regarding their ability to understand history and their knowledge about the world. These studies only address computer and electronic mail use and not an extensive use of other technology compared to student development outcomes.More research needs to be done to address students academic, emotional, and physical well-being related to technology use (Lewis, Courses, Khan, 2001). In spite of some benefits associated with computer and electronic mail use, there are several concerns that need to be considered. Truer and Beloit (1997) discuss the concept of cocooning where students may retreat to their computers and isolate themselves from campus activities. Another concern addresses the impact of face-to-face communication versus virtual communication.Although teenagers in Lenient, Madden, and Hatpins study (2005) reported they preferred instant messaging to phone or electronic mail, most college students state that electronic mail would not put an end to face-to-face communication (Arena, 2005; Scorcher, 997). Another concern is access to technology. Not all students have access or skill for technology, and this could impact students learning. In a review of literature, Tango (2003) suggested that Latino/a students academic success is linked to face-to-face interactions with faculty and staff and that an increase in technology will decrease this type of interaction.No empirical evidence addressed how technology impacts students of different ethnicities. A final point addressed in the literature concerns the addictive behavior of Internet use. Scorcher (1997) investigated college students Internet use and the extent Of Internet dependency. Ten clinical symptoms Of Internet dependency were developed by the author. Students who reported three or more of these symptoms were categorized as Internet dependent users. Students, in her study, used the Internet to maintain relationships, for academic use, and to meet new people.Males used the Internet more on a weekly basis than females, which supports the research by SKU and Huh (2001 NSAP Journal, 2007, Volvo. 44, no. 3 Independent users focused more on academic use than dependent users (92% vs.. 88%). Dependent users played more games, used chat lines more, ND utilized the Internet more to experiment socially, to seek sexual material, and to seek illegal material than independent users. In addition, the results showed a concern for students interpersonal development since independent users sign efficiently utilize face-to-face communication more than dependent users.This brief literature review provides a foundation in understanding how technology, specifically computer use, impacts student learning. Little to no empirical research has been conducted to explore the impact various technologies have on student development components. Student development components include psychosocial development as well as cognitive and moral development. Checkering and Reissue (1993) provide a psychosocial development model through which college students progress in developing an identity. One of the key components includes developing interpersonal relationships with peers.Technology provides an opportunity for students to stay constantly connected with one another, but how that technology impacts their peer relationships has not been fully examined. Another component of the Checkering and Reissue model is establishing identity, which includes having a healthy lifestyle. Good health and wellness practices are important for students to succeed in college and life. Technology could interfere with these practices if students have dependent behaviors. A further aspect to consider is the extent to which technology impacts students educational involvement.Arena (2005) found that students use the Internet to interact with faculty, find campus resources, and access academic content. However, there is little in the current literature related to how technology impacts students academic progression through well- defined educational goals. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect that varying types of technology have on several aspects of psychosocial development. Extent of use was used as a factor in this research, as were race, gender, and other demographic variables. 85 Method A two-part Student Technology Use Survey was developed by the researchers and distributed to a convenience sample of undergraduate students enrolled in several courses offered by the Department of Counseling and Human Development Services at a large research institution in the Southeast. The first part of the survey asked students to respond regarding the number of ours they used 1 4 various technologies, including computers, video gaming devices, MPH players, TVs, DVD players, personal digital assistants (PDA), and cellular phones and the specific purpose (I. . , academic work, entertainment, meet new people, communicate with faculty, communicate with friends, relaxing). The purposes were related to each of the 14 different technologies. The survey was initially reviewed by six student affairs professionals who are well-versed in college student developmental issues, technology types, and uses. In addition, the survey was disseminated to 10 undergraduate students for their review. Changes suggested by these professionals and the students were incorporated into the final version that was distributed in the spring of 2006.The second part Of the Survey included three subtasks of the Student Developmental Task and Lifestyle Assessment (SADLY; Winston, Miller, Cooper, 1999). The authors defined these as: Peer Relationships?Having accomplished this subtask, students describe their relationships with peers as shifting toward greater trust, independence, frankness, and individuality; and as feeling less need to conform to the standards of friends or to conceal shortcomings or disagreements.Educational Involvement?students who have accomplished this subtask have well-defined educational goals and plans, are knowledgeable about available resources, and are actively involved in the academic life of the college/university. Salubrious Lifestyle?This scale measures the degree to which a students lifestyle is consistent with or promotes good health and wellness practices. 486 These particular constructs were selected for inclusion after reviewing the literature cited above concerning possible developmental impact of technology use on traditional age college students.The SADLY has been hon. in previous studies to be both reliable and valid for measuring these thre e constructs (Wash Cooper, 2002). In addition, reliability tests with these three subtasks have been shown to be . 65. 71 for Peer Relationships, . 79-. 82 for Educational Involvement, and . 7177 for Salubrious Lifestyle (Winston, Miller, Cooper, 1999). The Student Technology Use Survey was distributed to 475 undergraduates. A total of 385 valid instruments were then used in the data analysis, resulting in an 81% return rate. Students were not required to complete the survey, but class time was given for students who wanted to stay to complete it. The final sample included 1 53 men (38. 4%) and 226 women (56. 8%), with 6 (4. 8%) not reporting and so removed from further analysis on this variable. Demographics on gender in this study were representative of the campus population. The respondents included 315 (81. 8%) White, 33 (8. 6%) African American, 24 (6. 2%) Asian, 7 (118%) Hispanic, 2 (. 5%) Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and 2 (. 5%) multiracial students, with 2 (. 5%) not responding.

Research Paper Topic Proposal Race and Crime in the United States

Introduction Although African Americans comprise approximately 13 percent of the total U.S. population, they usually represent a much larger proportion of people who are convicted of various offences and incarcerated (Mackey, Levan, 2011, p. 99). This tendency is particularly noticeable among males whose age ranges from 25 to 29. Black males are much more likely to be incarcerated than Hispanic or non-Hispanic white people.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Research Paper Topic Proposal: Race and Crime in the United States specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This paper is aimed at discussing possible factors that contribute to this disparity. It is vital to examine social and demographic characteristics of these people. Additionally, one of the tasks is to look the work of criminal justice system and the way in which it can treat individuals who are either accused of convicted of crime. This discussion can s how why black males may be overrepresented in American prisons. Incarceration rates among black males According to the data provided by the Bureau of Justice Statistics (2010), black non-Hispanic males have an incarceration rate of 4,749 inmates for every 100.000 of American citizens (p. 2). In turn, the incarceration rate of non-Hispanic white men is 708 convictions per 100.000 residents (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2010, p. 2). Finally, the imprisonment rate of Hispanic males is approximately 1.822 inmates per every 100.000 of the population. Overall, these findings indicate that there are significant disparities existing between black men on the one hand and white or Hispanic males on the other. As it has been said before, the percentage of African-American convicts in prisons is much large that the percentage of black people in America. Therefore, it is important to examine the factors that may increase this disparity. The problem is that it can result from the failure of gove rnmental institutions. Its origins cannot be explained only by individual behavior. Variables that are associated with crime The researchers, who examine the origins of high incarceration and conviction rates among black males, focus mostly on the demographic characteristics of these people. These variables can throw much light on the connection between race and crime. In their study Bradley Wright and Wesley Younts (2009) identify such factors as lack of educational or employment opportunities or acceptance of illegal activities in some neighborhoods (p. 336). The majority of black people, who are incarcerated or convicted, usually come from neighborhoods that have such characteristics as high unemployment, a great number of abandoned houses, vandalism, and the availability of alcoholic beverages or drugs (Wright Younts, 2009, p. 338). As a rule, people do not feel much attachment to these neighborhoods.Advertising Looking for research paper on ethnicity studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In many cases, illegal activities such as drug dealing can be turned into routine and they are not properly prevented or investigated. Additionally, people frequently come from single-parent families which means they are more likely to be economically disadvantaged (Wright Younts, 2009, p. 342). These are some of the most important factors. Finally, one should note that a great number of black offenders do not high level of educational attainment (Kaufman et al, 2008, p. 426). According to Joanne Kaufman et al, African-American males may often be placed in the low educational tracks which means that they are often unable to work with the most experienced and skillful teachers (Kaufman et al, 2008, p. 426). Finally, one should take into consideration that schools with a large proportion of black students are frequently underfinanced and have fewer resources in comparison with those schools that are attended most ly by white students (Kaufman et al, 2008, p. 427). Thus, it is possible to assume that these people do not have access to well-paid jobs. These are very important social and demographic characteristics that researchers should not disregard. The thing is that they are not related to race or ethnicity; more likely they can be explained by the failures of governmental institutions. This is why policy-makers first pay more attention to economic and social origins of crime. The treatment of black males in the courts The work of criminal justice system is another important aspect that cannot be overlooked. One can refer to the study done by Marit Rehavi and Sonja Starr (2012) who examine the factors affecting criminal charging and sentencing of an individual. First of all, these scholars argue that in the United States criminal prosecutors may choose the initial charges that can later affect the sentences imposed on a person (Rehavi Starr, 2012, p. 1). For instance, theft committed by a person can be classified either as violent or non-violent crime depending upon the perspective of the prosecutor (Rehavi Starr, 2012, p. 5). Moreover, there are minimum sentences that are supposed to be imposed for a certain crime or offence; however, courts may impose a more severe punishment provided there are some aggravating circumstances (Rehavi Starr, 2012, p. 25). Overall, the findings suggest that black male defendants usually receive sentences that are on average 10 percent longer in comparison with white people who commit similar offences (Rehavi Starr, 2012, p. 24). Such disparities often manifest themselves when courts examine drug offences or property crimes. This is one of the issues that people should not overlook.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Research Paper Topic Proposal: Race and Crime in the United States specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More There are several statistical findings s upporting this premise that African American males can be discriminated in the criminal courts. For example white people, who plea guilty, usually receive a 28 percent reduction of their sentences (Crutchfield, Fernandez, Martinez, 2010, p. 926). In contrast, black defendants are normally only a 13 percent reduction (Crutchfield, Fernandez, Martinez, 2010, p. 926). Secondly, one should note black male defendants are more likely to be denied bail than white people or Hispanic or Latino Americans (Crutchfield, Fernandez, Martinez, 2010, p. 926). Thirdly, they are often denied non-financial bail. On the whole, these examples indicate that racial prejudices may affect the decisions of legal professionals even in the twenty-first century. Moreover, one should note the sentence imposed by the court is often determined by the skills of the defense attorney who is supposed to protect the rights of an individual in the court. The problem is that unlike white or Hispanic males, African Ame ricans may not be able to afford the services of such a professional. Certainly, this person can receive the assistance of the government attorney, but in many cases it is not sufficient, especially in comparison with the best lawyers who may be hired by a well-to-do person. Therefore, it is not permissible to exclude the economic factors when discussing crime and sentencing. The researchers also point out that non-Hispanic black people usually do not put much trust in the integrity of the jury (Rose, Ellison, Diamond, 2008, p. 375). One of their major concerns is that these people are more likely to support the prejudices and biases that can exist in the society (Rose, Ellison, Diamond, 2008, p. 375). Again, there were cases, when jurors’ decisions could be influenced by their views of race. For example, one can mention the Scottsboro rape cases when black defendants were unjustly convicted (Rose, Ellison, Diamond, 2008, p. 374). Certainly, the situation has changed withi n the last five decades, and modern jurors can represent diverse racial or ethnic groups. However, the prejudice of jurors or judges may still manifest themselves in the courts. So, this problem still has to be addressed. Additionally, it is important to remember that black people are underrepresented in legal profession. For instance, among 1298 federal judges who now work in the United States, only 109 are African Americans (Neubauer, Fradella, 2010, p. 196).Advertising Looking for research paper on ethnicity studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Overall, this number constitutes only 8.4 percent of the total population of federal judges. In turn, there are 72 Hispanic federal judges which is approximately 5.5 percent (Neubauer, Fradella, 2010, p. 196). Thus, one can assume that the majority of federal judges are white people and some of them may be prejudiced against black defendants. Possible ways of reducing the racial disparities in the criminal justice system At this point, there is no universal strategy that can address the problem of racial inequality in the criminal justice system. The examples provided in this paper indicate that African-American males, whose age ranges between 25 and 29, are more likely to be incarcerated. More importantly, this problem cannot be always explained by the behavior of individuals; more likely it can be attributed the failure of policies. Possible solution of this problem may require complex actions on the part of the government. As it has been said before, many of the convicts are peo ple who have very little educational and employment opportunities. This is why the government should bring more funds to those schools attended by minority students. Secondly, police has to pay more attention to the prevention and investigation of illegal activities that may take place in the neighborhoods where many of such male convicts can live. One of their tasks is to decrease the available of drugs in these places. Additionally, it is important to look at the work of criminal justice system. The statistical evidence shows that black males are at a significant risk of discrimination in the court. Thus, legal professionals should develop a set of institutional safeguards protecting a person from discrimination according to racial or ethnic criteria. For instance, criminal prosecutors and judges should adhere to strict sentencing guidelines that do not allow a person impose different penalties for the same type of crime. Conclusion Despite the fact that the American society has b ecome much more egalitarian in terms of race, empirical evidence suggests that black people can become the victims of racial prejudices in the courts. Certainly, many of these people may indeed be guilty of various crimes, but in many cases, they do not receive the same treatment. Overall, high incarceration rates of black males have several important origins. One can primarily speak about their social characteristics, especially lack of educational or employment opportunities. Secondly, policy-makers should remember about the practices of criminal prosecutors and judges. These are the most important issues that the government should address. Reference List Bureau of Justice Statistics. (2009). Prison Inmates at Midyear 2009–Statistical Tables. Web. Crutchfield, R. Fernandez, A. Martinez, J. (2010). Racial and ethnic disparity and criminal justice: how much is too much?. Journal Of Criminal Law Criminology, 100(3), 903-932. Kaufman, J. M., Rebellon, C. J., Thaxton, S., Agn ew, R. (2008). A General Strain Theory of Racial Differences in Criminal Offending. Australian New Zealand Journal Of Criminology (Australian Academic Press), 41(3), 421-437. Mackey, D. Levan, K. (2011). Crime Prevention. New York: Jones Bartlett Publishers. Neubauer, D. Fradella, H. (2010). America’s Courts and the Criminal Justice System. New York: Cengage Learning. Rehavi, M Starr, Sonja B. (2012). Racial Disparity in Federal Criminal Charging and Its Sentencing Consequences. Web. Rose, M. R., Ellison, C., Diamond, S. (2008). Preferences for Juries Over Judges Across Racial and Ethnic Groups. Social Science Quarterly (Blackwell Publishing Limited), 89(2), 372-391. Wright, B., Younts, C. (2009). Reconsidering the Relationship between Race and Crime: Positive and Negative Predictors of Crime among African American Youth. Journal Of Research In Crime Delinquency, 46(3), 327-352. This research paper on Research Paper Topic Proposal: Race and Crime in the United States was written and submitted by user Alonzo Clark to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.