Welcome from the Council President:

Welcome to the Council on Crime and Justice's micro website on racial disparities in the justice system. It is intended to serve as a "one-stop" resource regarding racial disparity research and other activities addressing its causes and consequences, particularly in Minnesota.

We hope you find the micro site useful. Since its still a work in progress, we welcome your suggestions for any additions you believe may be worthwhile. As a "learning organization", we also welcome your thoughts as to how we might make your visit even more valuable. You may provide suggestions or feedback by clicking here.

While the racial disparity in the justice system has many causes, the information on this micro site relates predominantly to the portion of the disparity that is due to racial bias within the justice system. Based on our research (and that of others), the Council believes that the racial disparity "owned" by the justice system is largely institutional in nature; that is, its source lies in the laws, policies and practices governing how the system works, not in individual acts of racism.

I encourage you to become involved. It's simple; go to the Taking Action bar on the Home Page and decide where you can best help. We look forward to your becoming a part of the action.

Addressing such a deeply and broadly imbedded bias will be challenging. Yet, the stakes are great. Our success at achieving truly equal justice is critical to the future socio-economic well-being of our nation. It also goes to the core of what we have always professed to be as a nation: "One nation…with equal justice for all."

Thank you.

Tom Johnson
President
Council on Crime and Justice
johnsont@crimeandjustice.org