The Law School Lounge is back this week to talk about the historical and enduring nature of racism faced by Black Americans in the context of the criminal jury system. Host Krystal Norton is joined by special guest, Professor Emerita Raneta Lawson Mack, and together they walk through cases, reflections, and current legal issues surrounding racism in criminal jury participation. Professor Mack starts all the way back with the creation of the jury system in America and proceeds to talk about how the system, and the nature of racism within that system, evolved after the Emancipation Proclamation, the Fourteenth Amendment, Jim Crow, and into the present day. Professor Mack discusses peremptory challenges and their use to discriminate in this context, and she dives into issues faced by Black people and people of color with jury participation today, including a lack of faith in the criminal legal system, mass incarceration, jury sanctity, and felony convictions.
Listeners, please be aware that this episode discusses topics that some audiences may find difficult to explore or discuss, including criminal charges, racism, discrimination, slurs, and related items. Listener discretion is advised.
Professor Mack discusses all the points covered today in greater depth and with more opportunities for critical thinking in her book, "Unpacking Race in the American Jury System: Cases Readings, and Perspectives," which can be purchased here. Additional works written by Professor Mack can be found on Google Scholar.
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**Disclaimer: This podcast and its episodes are for general information purposes only and do not constitute legal advice; listeners and audience members should contact an attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter, including whether to act or refrain from acting in conjunction with a legal matter. The creator and owner do not represent or warrant the accuracy or reliability of the content due to the constantly evolving nature of the law and legal education.
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