Describe and explain the significance of the SCOTUS decision Batson v. Kentucky (1986)

What will be an ideal response?


In this case, the Court emphasized again that a peremptory strike of a potential juror based on race violates the equal protection clause of the Constitution. To ferret out this discrimination, the Court created a three-step test. The defendant must first make a prima facie case, based on the totality of the prosecutor's conduct, that racial discrimination occurred in the use of peremptory challenges. During step two, the burden shifts to the government to come forward with a race neutral explanation for the strikes. In step three, the trial judge decides if the defendant proved intentional discrimination.

Criminal Justice

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Testimony involves evidence given under oath during a divorce trial and a list of witnesses is put together to determine who will be called to testify at trial.

Answer the following statement true (T) or false (F)

Criminal Justice

A police officer who encounters a sleeping homeless person and uses his nightstick to beat the man unconscious could be subject to which type of tort?

A. accidental B. negligent C. intentional D. deliberate

Criminal Justice

Traditionally, gangs have operated in _____ experiencing rapid population change

Fill in the blank(s) with correct word

Criminal Justice

All law enforcement change is planned

Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Criminal Justice