Given the Persistence of Identifiable Racial Discrimination in the Application

Question

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The Answer is Yes, we should reform capital punishment in light of the persistence of identifiable racial discrimination in its application. The evidence is clear that racial bias plays a significant role in who receives the death penalty, with studies consistently showing that defendants of color are more likely to be sentenced to death than their white counterparts, especially when the victim is white. This is a clear injustice that cannot be ignored.

One way to reform capital punishment is to address the racial disparities in its application. This could involve implementing policies and procedures to ensure that race does not play a role in sentencing decisions. This could include training for judges and jurors on recognizing and addressing implicit bias, as well as implementing stricter guidelines for when the death penalty can be applied.

Additionally, we should consider alternatives to the death penalty that do not carry the same risk of racial bias. Life imprisonment without the possibility of parole could be a more just and equitable punishment for the most serious crimes, without the risk of discriminatory application.

Ultimately, the persistence of racial discrimination in the application of the death penalty is a clear indication that reform is necessary. We cannot continue to allow a system that disproportionately targets people of color for the ultimate punishment. It is time to address these issues and work towards a more fair and just criminal justice system.

Given the Persistence of Identifiable Racial Discrimination in the Application

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