But focusing on the most successful elements of any demographic group proves little, for wealth has the ability to elevate and to insulate. One area where this is most evident is in the American criminal justice system. When navigating the justice system, the ability to hire top-notch legal counsel or to post a significant bond drastically affects the outcome of a case. This is true for both white citizens and for citizens of color.
Unfortunately, however, racial inequality in this country remains tightly intertwined with economic inequality, and aspects of the criminal justice system that disadvantage poor people disproportionately disadvantage people of color. There also exists implicit racial bias, if not outright prejudice, in the hearts of some police, prosecutors, judges and jurors which can manifest itself during any phase of a criminal case.
The result is that Americans of color face disadvantages at every stage of the criminal justice system. From arrest to sentencing, obtaining bail to obtaining a lawyer, plea bargaining to jury selection, and even in being put to death, criminal defendants consistently fare better when they are white.