Off Balance: Youth, Race & Crime in the NEws

Abstract

This is the fourth in an ongoing series of analyses published by Building Blocks for Youth, a multi-organizational initiative whose goal is to promote a fair and effective juvenile justice system. In January, 2000, Building Blocks issued its first report, “The Color of Justice” which found that youth of color in California were more than eight times as likely to be incarcerated by adult courts as White youth, for equally serious crimes. Building Blocks’ comprehensive national study, “And Justice for Some”, reported that youth of color are treated more severely than White youth at each stage of the justice system, even when charged with the same offenses. In October, 2000 Building Blocks’ third report, “Youth Crime, Adult Time” an in-depth study of youth prosecuted as adults in 18 of the largest jurisdictions in the country, found racial disparities similar to the earlier reports, and raised serious concerns about the fairness and appropriateness of the process.