Crook County

Discuss the physical and symbolic barriers of the courthouse. What impact do these barriers have on court culture? Who enforces them? What are the consequences of deliberately or inadvertently crossing them?

Discuss the “us” versus “them” dynamic of the court. Who are the participants? How does this dynamic play out among court actors? Are some of these actors more responsible for this dynamic than others? Why or why not?

What are mopes and monsters? How does the construct fuel racial colorblindness in various court professionals? Is there any value to retaining this distinction? Why or why not?

What do sociologists mean by front-stage and backstage behavior? Citing examples from Gonzalez Van Cleve’s book, discuss how racism alters traditional ideas of front-stage and backstage behavior and how this impacts defendants.

Address the relationship between prosecutors and police officers. Why do prosecutors need the police? How do the boundaries between the two groups relate to colorblind racism? Which of the two groups do you believe plays a more insidious role in perpetuating colorblind racism?

What is zealous advocacy? Discuss how it relates to the compromises and ethical hurdles defense attorneys face.

How has mass incarceration impacted the experience of justice in the courts? How does it influence segregation, culture, and practice in the criminal justice system?

Is increasing diversity in the court the answer to bridging the two-tiered justice system? Make your case drawing on examples from Gonzalez Van Cleve’s book.