Thinktank says dread of discrimination means many BAME defendants are reluctant to plead guilty to reduce penalties
Black and minority-ethnic defendants may be given more severe sentences at magistrate and crown courts because they distrust the criminal justice system and are reluctant to plead guilty,according to a legal thinktank.
While judges reduce punishments by up to a third whether offenders plead guilty at the earliest opportunity, a report by the Centre for Justice Innovation (CJI) suggests that a belief that courts treat black, or Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) people unfairly prevents them from taking advantage of such reductions and reinforces unequal outcomes. Related: Ethnic minorities more likely to be jailed for some crimes,report finds Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com