ABSTRACT

Laws are an important part of a peaceful society, and they play a role in addressing social problems, albeit often only part of a resolution. Discrimination and prejudice exist throughout society, but for some of the population it is a significant problem. Discrimination is illegal in some, but not all, situations; a society we are not yet fully aware of all the different kinds of discrimination. One kind that is important to be aware of is institutional discrimination. Legislation has helped to better the situation for minorities. But not all the laws have been beneficial. Racial groups have distinguishing physical characteristics, but most scientists concur that these distinctions are primarily social rather than biological. Racial profiling is the use of race, ethnic origin, or nationality as an identifier to stop or arrest criminal suspects. Schools are convinced that the quality of minority education has improved because of affirmative action, as has minority participation in higher paying professions.