Date of Defense

4-21-2026

Date of Graduation

5-2026

Department

Sociology

First Advisor

Charles Crawford

Second Advisor

Gregory Howard

Third Advisor

Jennifer Richardson

Abstract

This thesis examines how crime media and neurological bias shape the experiences of Black and Brown drug defendants in the United States criminal justice system. Drawing on existing research in psychology and neuroscience, this explanation outlines the role of perception and threat detection in the formation of implicit bias while also emphasizing a need to expand the use of neurocriminology to all legal actors. Particular attention is given towards the influence of media portrayals of criminal cases, especially for drug-related offenses and how that impacts the audiences on a neurological level. An analysis of historical factors, such as the War on Drugs and racially targeted drug policies, is done to explain the current discussions we see today surrounding drug policy. By making the connection between neurological frameworks and racialized injustice, this piece highlights how media narratives and implicit bias contribute to the unequal outcomes for Black and Brown drug defendants. Through media accountability, policy reform and intentional implicit bias training, these disparities can be mitigated and in turn, improve equity for everyone in the criminal justice system, specifically for those who have disproportionately been harmed by the institution.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Open Access

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