Why is it more than 10% of our country's black male population in prison?

Answer 1

Because they are the ones doing most of the crimes.

Answer 2

I believe 10% is a very exaggerated estimate. However, one of my best friends is a solicitor (lawyer) and he confirms that Black people are often given custodial sentences for relatively minor offences for which a white person would be merely fined or put on probation. Secondly, some Black people are convicted on the basis of either (a) flimsy prosecution evidence or (b) purely circumstancial evidence which would have resulted in a white person being acquitted. I have actually known a person convicted of murder and given a (mandatory) life sentence whereas he was actually more than 150 miles away from the scene of the crime when it happened. He was convicted on the basis of false evidence of identification given by a white man known to be a drug addict and a schizephrenic whereas the accused had documentary evidence supporting the fact that he was nowhere near the scene of the crime. A white man in this exact situation would never have been convicted. Therefore I am of the opinion that 10% of Black people currently in prison should not be there either because (a) they have been wrongly/falsely convicted or (b) they have been justly convicted of an offense for which a white person would not have been given a custodial sentence. Finally, there are still instances in the UK of Black people being mistreated by the police during arrest and also instances of death in custody (at the police station) because the arresting officers have failed to summon the medical help that they would have summoned had the suspect been white. The question mentions males only. UK women's jails are full of Black women (Caribbean and African) used as drug mules by unscrupulous men.

Answer 3

That's interesting.

What might be more interesting would be to find the percentage of our country's Caucasians, Asians, Latinos, etc. that are in prison too. You might find that about 10% of our country's male population is in jail regardless of race.

Answer 4

Personal theory here:
After centuries of blatant and covert racism, a distinct black culture has developed which has differentiated itself from the mainstream white culture. Coupled with economic disadvantages, what has resulted is a bend towards what legal institutions of this country consider to be criminal. Thus, the overwhelming percentage of blacks who are brought into the criminal justice system are there of their own volition, but under a volition shaped by a culture with alternate customs and values which clash with "mainstream", canonized ideas of justice and law.

Answer 5

Because they broke the law. If 10% of white males broke the law they would be there too. This was a stupid question without any real proof. Why don't you give us facts to back up your made up number?

Answer 6

Because they commited crimes, and are now being punished? Just like white males, white females, black females, asian males, asian females, and every other race and gender in prison?

Answer 7

If it wasn't for our "pity the poor black guy" laws
there would be more in jail. When they start living as people and not "black people" and becoming
citizens and not "victims" we will see a turn around.
Al Sharpton, Jessie Jackson. People who make thier living on racism,would die, if black people started liking white people.

Answer 8

Better double check your stats!

According to the US Bureau of Prisons, 56.4% of the prison population is white; 40.2% is black;

Also 73.5% are US citizens; 16.8% are Mexican.

Most, (53.7%) are in prison for drug charges.

http://www.bop.gov/news/quick.jsp#2

Answer 9

Ask Why is it that most serial murderers per capita are white. Ask why is it that most drunk drivers per capita are Hispanic. Then, ask why so many think that every race will comitt crime equally. Blame in poverty if youd like.

Answer 10

Because they commit crime. Now the liberals will say its societies fault and the conservatives say its the individuals fault.