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  5. Report shows that the racial divide in prisons is narrowing

Report shows that the racial divide in prisons is narrowing

On Behalf of Ed Shaw Law | Dec 11, 2019 | Criminal Defense |

Racial disparities among state prison inmates in Minnesota and around the country are becoming much less pronounced, but the figures show that African Americans are still incarcerated at much higher rates than whites. This was just one of the conclusions found in a report on prison demographics released on Dec. 3 by the Council on Criminal Justice. The nonpartisan organization also noticed a narrower disparity between the number of black and white individuals on parole or probation.

The mass incarceration of African Americans peaked in the late 1980s and early 1990s due to the emergence of crack cocaine as a major law enforcement challenge. By the year 2000, a black American was 15 times more likely than a white American to be sent to prison for possessing or distributing illegal drugs. In 2016, an African American was five times more likely to be incarcerated on narcotics charges. The overall ratio of black to white inmates fell from 9-1 to 6-1 between 2000 and 2016 according to the COCJ report.

The researchers point out in the report that this decrease probably has very little to do with reforms to police procedures or changes in prosecutorial priorities. They say that the main driving force behind the narrowing racial disparities is the shift in the illegal drug marketplace from marijuana and cocaine to methamphetamine and opioids. The researchers mention that the drugs police are most concerned with today are often used or distributed by white Americans.

When their clients are facing incarceration for nonviolent behavior that would not lead to criminal charges in many states, experienced criminal defense attorneys may encourage prosecutors to consider sanctions that are designed to rehabilitate instead of punish. Attorneys might also raise mitigating factors during plea negotiations such as a full-time job, a supportive family, sincere regret and previous good conduct.

Why do different states have different laws?

by Edward Shaw | Jun 30, 2025 | General Law

I get asked the question all of the time, why are the laws different in each state, and, why do people need to get different lawyers when they have legal issues in other states. The answer goes back to the founding of our country, we have always had a federal system,...

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Will I lose everything in Chapter 7 bankruptcy? 

On Behalf of Ed Shaw Law | Jun 5, 2025 | Bankruptcy

Chapter 7 bankruptcy helps erase debts when you cannot pay them and give you a fresh financial start. However, many people think of bankruptcy as losing everything. Fortunately, Minnesota laws protect essential assets.  Confidence comes from knowing your rights—learn...

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What is the difference between legal and physical custody?

On Behalf of Ed Shaw Law | Apr 23, 2025 | Family Law

If you're going through a custody issue in Minnesota, it's important to understand the difference between legal and physical custody. These terms may sound similar, but they each play a different role in your child's life. Understanding legal custody Legal custody...

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JAIL PHONES

by Edward Shaw | Apr 4, 2025 | Criminal Defense

Many of you have seen movies involving phone calls from a jail or prison, maybe some of you have gotten calls from a jail or prison.  If you have, you may be familiar with the message that often plays 'This call is from a correctional institution and may be...

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EXPERT WITNESSES

On Behalf of Ed Shaw Law | Mar 27, 2025 | Firm News

Most people outside of the legal system have never heard of expert witnesses, a critical part of the legal system.  Unlike regular witnesses, who can testify about what they observed or heard, experts can offer opinions.  Experts are used to explain a variety of...

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Contracts for Deed

by Edward Shaw | Mar 12, 2025 | Business Law

They are an alternative method of financing the purchase and sale of property.  Instead of the buyer getting a bank loan, payments are made to the seller.  The arrangement has its advantages, by taking payments over time a seller can in some cases save on taxes. ...

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WHEN DO YOUR RIGHTS HAVE TO BE READ TO YOU

by Edward Shaw | Jan 31, 2025 | General Law

I have written on this topic before, but, because it is a source of a lot of misunderstanding among the general public, it needs more attention. Police shows for decades have shown people being arrested and read the Miranda warning, 'their rights', you have the right...

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When can you sue someone for something they say?

by Edward Shaw | Jan 24, 2025 | Civil Law, General Law

Free speech is a cornerstone of our society, for good reasons.  A democracy depends on people being able to express their opinions about anybody, and anything.  Even the richest and most powerful in society can be criticized by any citizen in a free society. Like all...

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MONEY AND DIVORCE

On Behalf of Ed Shaw Law | Jan 13, 2025 | Firm News

When divorces are tough there are usually issues with money.  The rules on dividing assets, money, real estate, vehicles, anything of value, are simple, it is generally divided equally, regardless of who earned it, or whose name is on it.  The exception is...

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Tips for co-parents to keep the holiday season peaceful and joyous

On Behalf of Ed Shaw Law | Dec 6, 2024 | Custody

Co-parenting presents challenges throughout the year, but the holiday season can amplify these difficulties, even for those who maintain a cordial relationship with their former spouse. From Thanksgiving through the end of the year, the added stress of coordinating...

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  • Why do different states have different laws?
  • Will I lose everything in Chapter 7 bankruptcy? 
  • What is the difference between legal and physical custody?
  • JAIL PHONES
  • EXPERT WITNESSES

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