Petit apartheid is a form of small-scale segregation and discrimination which is commonly found in discriminatory systems. It typically involves discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, and gender. Petit apartheid can be seen in the criminal justice system in a number of ways. One example of petit apartheid in the criminal justice system is the unequal treatment of defendants of different racial and ethnic backgrounds. In the U.S., for example, African American defendants are disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system and are more likely to be sentenced to harsher punishments than their white counterparts (Banks, 2019; Staudt, 2020). This is due in large part to the prevalence of racial discrimination in the court system.
Another example of petit apartheid in the criminal justice system can be seen in the unequal treatment of victims of different races and ethnicities. Victims of color are less likely to be taken seriously by law enforcement and judicial officials and are more likely to be seen as criminals rather than victims (Hain & Odendaal, 2021). This can lead to a lack of justice for victims of color, as their cases are less likely to be taken seriously.
Petit apartheid can also be seen in the unequal treatment of people of different genders, with women often facing a greater disadvantage than men. However, it is especially evident in the criminal justice system, where male victims of sexual assault are often considered less credible than female victims and, therefore, less likely to receive justice (Banks, 2019). This fact is one of the results of entrenched gender-based stereotypes, which emphasize that women are weaker than men and may be more prone to exaggeration and fabrication when recounting events (Rogerson & Rogerson, 2020). This perception of women has a long-term effect on the access to justice that they are granted and is a form of discrimination that must be addressed in order to ensure that all people receive the same quality of justice.
Overall, petit apartheid is a form of discrimination that is prevalent in the criminal justice system. It contributes to the unequal treatment of defendants and victims of different races, ethnicities, and genders, which can lead to a lack of justice for those affected by the system. By recognizing and addressing the presence of petit apartheid in the criminal justice system, we can work to ensure that all people receive equal treatment under the law.
References
Banks, C. L. (2019). Criminal justice ethics: Theory and practice (5th ed.). SAGE Publications.
Hain, P., & Odendaal, A. (2021). Pitch Battles: Sport, Racism and Resistance. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.
Rogerson, C. M., & Rogerson, J. M. (2020). Racialized Landscapes of Tourism: From Jim Crow USA to Apartheid South Africa. Bulletin of Geography. Socio-economic Series, 48(48), 7–21. Web.
Staudt, K. (2020). Human rights along the U.S.–Mexico border: Gendered violence and insecurity. University of Arizona Press.