True Crime Books Discussing Racial Disparities
True crime literature often delves into societal issues, including racial disparities in the criminal justice system. Here are some notable books that explore this theme:
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The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander
This groundbreaking book argues that mass incarceration functions as a contemporary system of racial control, similar to Jim Crow laws.
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Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson
Stevenson's memoir discusses his work as a lawyer defending the wrongfully convicted, highlighting the racial injustices prevalent in the legal system.
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Chokehold: Policing Black Men by Paul Butler
This book examines how policing practices disproportionately affect Black men, using true crime cases to illustrate systemic racism in law enforcement.
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Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Although not a typical true crime book, Coates’ letter to his son addresses the realities of being Black in America, touching on various injustices, including those in the criminal justice system.
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Locking Up Our Own: Crime and Punishment in Black America by James Forman Jr.
This Pulitzer Prize-winning book analyzes the moral complexities behind the choices made by Black leaders in response to crime in their communities.
These works not only recount compelling true crime narratives but also challenge readers to reflect on the implications of racial disparities within the justice system.