Racial Profiling

by David L. Hudson

Overview

Racial profiling is one of the most divisive issues facing contemporary American society. Some say the use of racial profiling calls into question the underlying fairness of the criminal justice system because it deprives a person of the right to equal protection under the law simply because of his or her race. Others, however, note that some types of criminal profiling are acceptable and even helpful in solving crimes. Adding to the complexity is the reality that few can agree on a precise definition of racial profiling. This new book examines racial profiling through several key aspects of this issue, including the war on drugs and the drug courier profile, the war on terrorism and those of Arabic descent, and the immigration controversy and Latinos.

Each book in the Point/Counterpoint series offers all the statutes, legal opinions, and studies a student needs to structure a cohesive argument on a given controversial topic. Issues are presented from multiple points of view; sidebars cite laws, opinions, and court cases to aid in critical analysis; appendices help students conduct legal research; and all sources are fully documented.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781604137170
Publisher:	Chelsea House Publishers
Publication date:	01/28/2011
Series:	Point/Counterpoint Series: Issues in Contemporary American Society
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	14 - 17 Years

Table of Contents

Foreword 6

Introduction: An Overview of Racial Profiling 11

Point: The Drug Courier Profile Is Effective in Combating the War on Drugs 20

Counterpoint: The Drug Courier Profile Leads to Racial Discrimination 29

Point: Some Racial Profiling Is Necessary in the War on Terror 38

Counterpoint: Racial Profiling in the War on Terror Is Wrong and Costly 47

Point: Some Racial Profiling Is Necessary to Combat Illegal Immigration 55

Counterpoint: Profiling Latinos as Illegal Aliens Is Unconstitutional 64

Conclusion: The Future of Racial Profiling 73

Appendix: Beginning Legal Research 82

Elements of the Argument 85

Notes 87

Resources 92

Picture Credits 96

Index 97