Mass Incarceration
This course examines the way in which racial bias in American history, policy, and politics has impacted the relationship between African Americans and the justice system, from the convict lease era in slavery's aftermath to the crisis of mass incarceration and the age of Black Lives Matter. We will pay particular attention to the history and impact of federal anti-crime policy on sentencing, mandatory minimums, DOJ Byrne Grants, the militarization of local law enforcement agencies, the drug war, juvenile justice, and prisoner rehabilitation and rights since The Great Society.