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The American Legal System In The 19th Century

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The American Legal System In The 19th Century
Throughout history in the New World of America, race has always been an issue. The beginning of the settlement of the Americas, race has always played a role on how people were treated when it came to crimes and decision making. Using the books; “Mutiny on the Bounty”, “Great American Trials”, and “A Murder Most Foul”, this would allow a deeper understanding of how race was handled in the American Legal system in the 18th, 19th centuries, and also in this era. Looking at how court systems handled cases involving race, how the courts were likely to stretch the law to suit purposes, and the possible different treatment of free blacks versus slaves. Also taking a step into the trials that happen today. In “Mutiny of the Bounty” by Howard Jones, the Abolitionists were all for antislavery in the year 1830. There were …show more content…
The states that many cases people did admit to but also there was shady work done on the side to allow people to get what they deserved, even if it was the wrong way in doing so. In this era it is very difficult to try to catch illegal sentencing to people because of race, gender, or power. Some people are given a lighter sentence than others, which is noticed in many cases. In a case like with Al Capone, he was a big time mobster that was sentenced to be on the one of the most feared prisons in the country but was given a hotel like atmosphere because of the person he was. Sentencing can be based on how you are looked at to society. If you are a very important figure to the government or a professional athlete and you get caught speeding. Will you receive a ticket? Depends on if the person likes you or not, but in most situations probably not. If you are a white man and you have a gun will you be shot or arrested? Probably arrested. It’s based on your status in
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