'Jena 6' case raises questions of bias in U.S. justice

[babylonsister]

'Jena 6' case raises questions of bias in U.S. justice

Marchers for the 'Jena 6' cite unequal treatment of blacks. Others say poverty plays as much of a role in any inequity.

By Patrik Jonsson | Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor

from the September 21, 2007 edition

Page 1 of 3

Atlanta - Witnesses described the schoolyard fight in rural Jena, La., as short but violent, as six black teens beat a white classmate unconscious. Instead of being expelled, five of the six young men – who've become known as the "Jena 6" – were charged with attempted murder.

Although those charges were later reduced for all but one defendant, thousands of protesters flocked to the small town Thursday to march and call attention to what they say is a biased justice system that treats minorities more harshly than it does whites.

There's evidence to back them up. Despite a narrowing of the racial gap in the past decade, the average black juvenile remains far more likely to be arrested and convicted than his white counterpart. But researchers are divided on whether race or other factors, such as poverty, are the driving factor.

With the case inspiring smaller protests elsewhere in the nation, it has become a cause célèbre for everyone from college students to Democratic presidential hopefuls Barack Obama, John Edwards, and Hillary Clinton, who have all weighed in on behalf of the black men.

more...

http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0921/p01s04-usju.html

[nofurylike]

1. thank you for posting this, babylonsister. k&r eom

[flashl]

2. The invisible people effected by bias in U.S. justice have said this

every way they know how. Now, for a brief moment in time it is acknowledged. Now, the communities most effected by the system need relief, no more talks, no more studies. It is well documented.

[BlooInBloo]

3. Um, that question was answered 100s of years ago.

[phillysuse]

4. I'm shocked, shocked to find out

that there is racial bias in U.S. justice!

Your pardon, Mr Libby.