document

The Death Penalty Is Tainted By Racial Bias

Document Date: April 18, 2012
Download document

The majority of homicide victims in the U.S. are Black. [1]

But in the majority of homicide cases resulting in the death penalty, the victims are white. [2]

The race of the victim plays a role in who gets the death penalty. That makes it unequal, unfair and unconstitutional.

[1] http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/crime-in-the-u.s/2010/crime-in-the-u.s.-2010/offenses-known-to-law-enforcement/expanded/expandhomicidemain.pdf

[2] http://www.naacpldf.org/files/publications/DRUSA_Fall_2011.pdf

Every month, you'll receive regular roundups of the most important civil rights and civil liberties developments. Remember: a well-informed citizenry is the best defense against tyranny.