During this summer semester, I have been conducting my scholarly research which is based in Thomasville Georgia. The focus of my study is to determine whether there were racial disparities in the adjudication of judges in Thomas County, Georgia. This topic most definitely contributes a larger voice in the field in political science. Studying the judicial process in Thomas county, Georgia illustrates the inequalities within the justice system, and provides more insight into broader societal disparities. This plays a prominent role in understanding and addressing the issues of fairness and equity in public policy. Insights acquired from studying racial disparities can further assist in informing the development of policies aimed at reducing bias and promoting equal treatment under the law.
Furthermore, research on racial disparities in judicial adjudication can affect the public’s view on the branches of government, in this case specifically, the judicial system. When judges uphold verdicts which evidently have racist connotations, it could potentially delegitimize the prominence in justice system subsequently tarnishing its reputation and portraying the institution as a whole as flawed. This research can also reveal how racial disparities in the criminal justice could potentially influence political representation and legislative outcomes, which are significant when it comes to understanding power dynamics and political governance.
This research project can affect those around me in many different ways. Sharing findings from this research could assist in increasing awareness among my peers about the existence of racial disparities in the justice system. It could also highlight the flaws present within the justice system. While the focus of my study is centered around the 1920s-1930s there are still some flaws evident in the justice system in this modern industrial society. However, this is not to say that the criminal justice has not made amendments and improved since then. Furthermore, seeing as though this research informs those of the racial disparities that exist within the justice system, informed citizens can be better equipped to serve as proponents for policy changes at a local, state, and national level.
Increased awareness and understanding of racial disparities could also enhance critical thinking skills and even promote personal growth. It could encourage my peers to question assumptions, recognize biases and develop a more informed understanding of different social and political issues. Overall, research on racial disparities in adjudication of Thomas county judges could provide more insight into fields such as public policy, criminal justice, and education.
Feature Image, Thomasville County Courthouse, Courtesy of John Trainor – https://www.flickr.com/photos/trainor/229593359/
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