DISCRIMINATION AND THE DEATH PENALTY Is there a relationship between the race of convicted 2. Table 7.6 shows the same data disaggregated on defendants in murder trials and the imposition of the the basis of the race of the victim. Use Table 7.6 death penalty on such defendants? This question has to estimate the following probabilities: been debated extensively, with one side claiming that P(Death Penalty | Defendant White, Victim White) white defendants are given the death sentence much less frequently than nonwhites. This case can help you P(Death Penalty | Defendant Black, Victim White) understand one reason for the debate. Table 7.5 shows P(Death Penalty | Defendant White, Victim Black) information regarding 326 cases. P(Death Penalty | Defendant Black, Victim Black) Questions Now what is your conclusion? 1. On the basis of Table 7.5, estimate P(Death 3. Explain the apparent contradiction between your Penalty | Defendant White) and P(Death Penalty answers to Questions 1 and 2. Defendant Black). What is your conclusion on the basis of these calculations? TABLE 7.5 Death Penalty Imposed Death-penalty and racial status for 326 Race of Defendant Yes No Total Defendants convicted White 19 141 160 murderers. Black 17 149 166 Total 36 290 326 Source: M. Radelet (1981) "Racial Characteristics and Imposition of the Death Penalty." American Sociological Review, 46, 918-927. TABLE 7.6 Death Penalty Imposed Death-penalty and Race of Race of Total racial status for Victim Defendant Yes No Defendants 326 convicted White White 19 132 murderers, 151 Black 52 disaggregated by 63 victim's race. Total 30 184 214 Black White 0 9 9 Black 97 103 Total aala 106 112 Total 290 326 Source, M. Radder (1981) "Racial Characteristics and Imposition of the Death Penalty." American Sociological Review, 46, 918-927