Issues of racial injustice in the California criminal court system are deeply connected to the historical framework of the United States. This connection can be traced back to the passage of the 13th amendment that "ended" involuntary servitude and slavery. After the amendment was implemented newly freed slaves were still targeted for minor crimes such as vagrancy (homelessness-in which many were due to the nature of being a recently freed slave) and loitering. 

This historical background has infamously led to indirect implementation of race, ethnicity, or nation of origin as a bases for court convictions. As a result, Black and Latino Men incarcerated at higher rates than their Non-Black and Non-Hispanic counterparts. Similarly, Black/African Americans are found to constitute 6.5% of the American population but 40.2% of the prison population. On the other hand white males have a 1 in 17 chance of imprisonment for black males it is 1 in 3. Taking into consideration the disparities in California alone, the Black/African American population is 6% of California population, but experience 15% of all law enforcement stops. In addition, the Black/African American population also makes up 26% of those on probation, roughly 25% of those in jail, and 29% of the prison inmates. Further explaining the injustices, within the past 31 years 1,800 inmates were wrongfully convicted within a mass chain of police scandals, in which the majority were African Americans framed for drug related crimes that did not take place.

The statistics and historical perspectives listed above constitute the very issue that exists within the criminal justice system. With a few simple clicks you could take part in creating change. Support AB 256 by signing this petition and raising awareness. 

For more information:

https://www.counties.org/sites/main/files/file-attachments/v2-tab5_-_legislative_advocacy.pdf

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220AB256

https://www.ppic.org/blog/racial-disparities-are-widespread-in-california/https://www.calhealthreport.org/2020/06/18/opinion-how-systemic-racism-shows-up-in-california-and-why-we-must-end-it/