Question.1174 - What is the difference between prejudice and discrimination? Is probable cause too loosely defined and should it be refined to limit police discretion? If it should be limited, how would we do so safely and effectively?
Answer Below:
What is the difference between prejudice and discrimination? Discrimination is the external action or behavior targeting an individual or group of people. In contrast, prejudice is an internal belief or feeling based on stereotypes. Prejudice can exist without any outward expression, while discrimination leads to harmful, tangible outcomes for the victims. Is probable cause too loosely defined, and should it be refined to limit police discretion? If it should be limited, how would we do so safely and effectively? Probable cause only exists when the police department has reasonable information against a person sufficient to warrant a person to believe that this person has committed a crime or an offense. Officers may prejudice a minority group to be criminal based on their race or any other factor; the decision to arrest someone on prejudice portrays a discriminatory action. However, if the warrant is based on probable cause, then the decision is not based on prejudice. I think the probable case should be refined to limit the police discretion. Establishing clear guidelines can guarantee the probable cause to be more consistent. Moreover, the proper interpretation of the training programs for the police and law enforcement can result in effective application.More Articles From CRIMINAL LAW MANAGEMENT