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The view on the disparity in sentencing between crack and powder cocaine being seen as unwarranted and racially biased stems from significant research and analysis of the criminal justice system. Historically, the sentencing guidelines for crack cocaine have been much harsher than those for powder cocaine, despite both substances being pharmacologically similar.

Critics argue that this disparity disproportionately affects communities of color, as crack cocaine is often more prevalent in these communities, leading to a higher arrest rate for individuals using or distributing it. The difference in sentencing has been linked to broader issues of systemic racism and socioeconomic disparities. Research has indicated that the rationale behind the harsher penalties for crack cocaine—often framed as a response to perceived greater harm or violence associated with its use—has been shown to be based on stereotypes rather than objective evidence.

Over the years, these disparities have sparked a great deal of debate and calls for reform, with many advocating for more equitable treatment of drug offenses in both the legal framework and law enforcement practices. As such, the recognition of these disparities as racially biased is informed by both sociological research and legal analyses that highlight the impact of such policies on marginalized communities.