The disparities between these demographics can be partially explained by differences in poverty levels amongst different racial/ethnic groups as well as various forms systemic racism experienced by minorities within criminal justice systems across states all over America like Texas for instance (Kaba et al). Such inequalities often lead to over-policing in certain communities due to stereotypes about race or ethnicity which ultimately result higher rates incarceration many cases even death sentences among minority populations than those found amongst majority groups . Additionally , research indicates that certain regions United States tend exhibit more lenient sentencing practices than others – particularly ones where capital punishment is not commonly utilized such Midwest South (Caldwell et al ). This could explain why some parts nation have much higher incarceration rates those other places: because they lack deterrents associated harsher punishments impose on offenders who commit grievous crimes. After reading Chapter 13 , one might come away feeling skeptical about fairness texas criminal justice system based off lopsided statistics mentioned above coupled with unfortunate truth how minority populations disproportionately affected by policies enforced it . To better respond crime within state , lawmakers need explore options beyond merely increasing number prisons built . Decriminalizing certain behaviors , reducing sentence lengths investing preventative measures such drug alcohol rehabilitation could all go long way towards addressing issues inequality currently present their laws .

Sample Solution

The racial/ethnic makeup of the overall prison population and death row in Texas is disproportionate compared to the general population of the state. As stated in Chapter 13, “Who Are Texans?”, approximately 45% of incarcerated people in Texas are Hispanic, 28% are African American, and 22% are white; this does not match up with the general population of Texas which is made up of 38% Hispanic individuals, 12.5% African Americans, and 42.4 percent White individuals. In terms of death row inmates specifically, 67.2 percent are Hispanic or Latino while only 27.3 percent identify as White and 5.1 percent identify as Black or African American– a stark difference from both the total incarcerated population and the general population (Texas Department of Criminal Justice).