‘System must combat ethnic discrimination’

Young people from ethnic minorities are still over-represented
within the youth justice system, according to research produced for
the Youth Justice Board published this week.

The report, which examines 17,000 cases, finds a higher proportion
of prosecutions involving black young males, and a slightly greater
use of prison for Asian males.

YJB chair Rod Morgan said an over-representation of ethnic
minorities in the youth justice system had historically caused
concern and work had been carried out to address this.

“However, the new findings show that more must be done to ensure
equal treatment for all those who come into contact with the law,”
he added.

The research suggests that, while some variation in outcomes can be
explained by the nature of certain cases, other differences
indicate discriminatory treatment at various stages in the criminal
justice process.

– Differences or Discrimination? From www.youth-justice-board.gov.uk

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