"Black in the Jury Box"

  Title: Analyzing “Black in the Jury Box” by Eternity Martis Summary of the Article and the Author’s Main Claim: In her article, “Black in the Jury Box,” Eternity Martis discusses her experiences as a black woman serving on a jury and highlights the systemic issues and biases that can affect the fairness of the justice system. The author’s main point is that racial biases, both explicit and implicit, influence jury decisions and contribute to the perpetuation of racial inequality within the legal system. Supporting the Claim and Incorporating Ethos, Pathos, and Logos: A. Premise I: Martis supports her claim by recounting her personal experiences as a juror, highlighting instances where she felt her voice was silenced or disregarded due to her race. This appeals to logos by providing evidence from her own firsthand encounters with racial bias in the jury box. B. Premise II: The author incorporates statistics and research findings to back up her claims. For example, she cites a study in which researchers found that black jurors were more likely to be dismissed during jury selection. This use of empirical evidence strengthens the author’s argument by appealing to logos. C. Premise III: Martis also includes anecdotes from other black individuals who have served on juries, sharing their experiences of feeling marginalized and overlooked. This appeals to pathos by evoking empathy and emotional response from readers, further reinforcing the author’s claim. Author’s Motivation: The author wrote this article to shed light on the racial biases that exist within the justice system, particularly within jury trials. By sharing her personal experiences and incorporating research, Martis aims to raise awareness about the need for reform and to encourage readers to critically examine the fairness of jury selection processes. Style of Writing: The writing style of “Black in the Jury Box” is engaging and personal. Martis combines personal anecdotes, statistical data, and research findings to present a comprehensive argument. Her writing is accessible and thought-provoking, making it easier for readers to connect with her experiences and understand the issues she raises. Analysis: This article made me feel both disturbed and enlightened. I was disturbed by the accounts of racial bias within the justice system and how it can impact the lives of individuals involved in jury trials. I learned about the systemic issues that contribute to racial inequality within the legal system, such as biased jury selection and the silencing of minority voices. The author presented this information in a compelling way by intertwining personal experiences with factual evidence, which increased my empathy and understanding of the topic. I agree with the author’s conclusions that racial biases exist in jury trials and that reforms are necessary to ensure a fair and impartial legal system. While I do not have personal jury experience to directly relate to Martis’ encounters, her article prompted me to reflect on instances where I may have witnessed or been complicit in systemic biases in other areas of life.

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