This research project and policy proposal discusses how the history of the United States has heavily influenced current race and class disparities especially in our justice systems. Specifically, this project focuses on capital punishment at both State and Federal level. Research shows race and class heavily affect the decision to sentence a person to death when charged with murder. Aside from possible ethical dilemmas with death sentencing, there is also an economic disadvantage as well as a lack of deterrence benefit from committing violent crimes such as murder. This thesis also proposes an original policy that could be implemented to help mitigate these disparities on death row. Along with this policy are a cost benefit analysis and exploration of possible externalities or unintended consequences if this policy were to be implemented. Overall, this project aims to show the urgent need to change the system we use to sentence people to death as it upholds disparities of race and class rather than upholding a system of justice which America considers to be not only important but vital for the well-being of our citizens. 

Professor Kenya Brumfield-Young has been a key advisor in helping Grace complete this thesis and finish her career as an undergrad. She has given Grace many wonderful opportunities to help frame which topics she wanted to explore and research for the final Capstone project for her degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice.