DB Response WK2

Booker Pitts

The 14th Amendment guarantees that people in similar circumstances should be treated the same under the law, yet the

reality of the U. S. criminal justice system often contradicts this promise. Disparities persist across sentencing, policing, and

corrections, revealing that equal protection is not always achieved. Ferguson (2024) explains that systemic inequities tied

to both race and socioeconomic status mean defendants with similar cases may receive vastly different outcomes. This

undermines public trust and challenges the very spirit of the amendment.                                                                                        

When it comes to policing, research demonstrates that bias continues to shape outcomes. A Michigan study found that

black drivers were significantly more likely than white drivers to be stopped and searched, even though these searches

resulted in fewer discoveries of contraband (University of Michigan, 2024). This evidence shows that bias-based policing

does exist, and it creates a ripple effect that influences how entire communities perceive law enforcement. Equal treatment

under the law can not be realized until such disparities are addressed.                                                                                     

The issue of accountability is central to this discussion. Leaders in the justice system, judges, prosecutors, and officers must

control their actions and be held accountable for them. A powerful biblical illustration of this principle is found in 1 Kings

3:16-28, where King Solomon was faced with the dispute between two women claiming the same child. Instead of acting

rashly or unfairly, Solomon exercised wisdom, discernment, and restraint, ultimately uncovering the truth and protecting

justice. His example highlights the importance of self-control and integrity in positions of authority. In the same way,

modern justice administrators must act with impartiality and fairness, not prejudice. Research directly reinforces this:

Behavioral-science-based training has been shown to reduce use-of-force incidents and racial disparities in arrests (Crime

Lab, 2023). Just as Solomon's judgment upheld justice, intentional training and accountability can keep leaders aligned

with constitutional values.                                                                                                                                                           

A Biblical worldview further strengthens this argument. Yes, I possess a Biblical Worldview. Scripture emphasizes the equal

worth of every human being, teaching us that justice, mercy, and humility must guide our treatment of others. I see this as a

moral safeguard that pushes us toward fairer policies and humane decisions in the justice system.

Dilemma Response

If faced with the hijacking scenario as President of the United States, I would resist choosing to sacrifice the passengers on

board. While utilitarian reasoning may directly argue for the "greater good," the Constitution and the 14th Amendment

affirm the equal right to life and due process. Like Solomon, who chose discernment over rash action, a leader in this

moment must seek alternatives such as negotiation, evacuation, or precise interception. To deliberately take innocent lives,

strip them of equal protection, and contradict both constitutional and biblical principles. This scenario requires a tough

decision, but as President, I would exhaust all means to preserve life.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the 14th Amendment challenges us to measure justice not by ideals alone, but by the many outcomes they

achieve. Solomon's wisdom reminds us that true justice requires fairness, discernment, and moral courage. Modern research

confirms that accountability and reform can help close the gap between principle and practice. Living out the values

of the 14th Amendment is more than a legal obligation; it is a moral commitment to honor the dignity of every person, no

matter their circumstances.

Abraham Gamboa

1/  Is equal protection under the 14th Amendment fully realized in our criminal justice system? Do bias-based policing practices exist?

     To have equal protection under the 14th Amendment, there would need to be similar treatment for offenders of the same crime. Realistically, this is not always the case. According to Stelter et al. (2022), Black drivers are more likely to be stopped and searched compared to White drivers, even when no greater evidence of wrongdoing exists. Even with those statistics, studies also reveal that contraband is actually found at higher rates among White drivers. Additionally, the U.S. Sentencing Commission reports that Black men often receive longer sentences than White men convicted of the same crimes. Yes, I believe we do have bias-based policing in our country with the facts above.

2/  Do people control their actions, and should they be held accountable? Please read 1 Kings 3:16-28 and describe the importance of having the right people in justice administration roles.

     Individuals are responsible for their actions and should be held accountable. In 1 Kings 3:16-28, Solomon showed great wisdom when deciding between two women claiming to be the child’s mother (King James Bible, 1611/2025). His discernment revealed the truth and ensured justice. This story highlights why it is essential to have wise and fair people in positions of authority, such as judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers. The King had no intentions of killing the child, but to truly expose the liar in this scenario. When leaders lack discernment, bias, or corruption can undermine justice. Godly wisdom and fairness are necessary to administer justice correctly.

3/  Do you possess a Biblical worldview? Please explain why or why not.

     Yes, I possess a Biblical worldview. Because of this, I believe that all people were created in the image of God, so they shall be treated fairly. Isaiah 30:18 shows us an example of a Biblical worldview that emphasizes justice, mercy, and accountability, while recognizing that God is the ultimate Judge (King James Bible, 1611/2025). This perspective provides a moral foundation for decisions in law and leadership and demands that Christians reflect God’s justice in how they treat others, including criminals.

4/  Dilemma: As President, how would you respond to a hijacked airliner headed toward Yankee Stadium?

     As a leader, it is sometimes difficult to make the "right" decision. This is a great example that reflects how difficult it is to make those decisions. At the cost of 310 passengers of the hijacked plane, I would order the fighters to engage the airliner before it reaches the stadium. My thought is I would sacrifice the 310 for potentially thousands of lives at the stadium. Of course, this decision takes a lot of thought and prayer, but ultimately, in my eyes, this is the only right answer with no other options

Booker Pitts

The 14th Amendment guarantees that people in similar circumstances should be treated the same under the law, yet the

reality of the U. S. criminal justice system often contradicts this promise. Disparities persist across sentencing, policing, and

corrections, revealing that equal protection is not always achieved. Ferguson (2024) explains that systemic inequities tied

to both race and socioeconomic status mean defendants with similar cases may receive vastly different outcomes. This

undermines public trust and challenges the very spirit of the amendment.                                                                                        

When it comes to policing, research demonstrates that bias continues to shape outcomes. A Michigan study found that

black drivers were significantly more likely than white drivers to be stopped and searched, even though these searches

resulted in fewer discoveries of contraband (University of Michigan, 2024). This evidence shows that bias-based policing

does exist, and it creates a ripple effect that influences how entire communities perceive law enforcement. Equal treatment

under the law can not be realized until such disparities are addressed.                                                                                     

The issue of accountability is central to this discussion. Leaders in the justice system, judges, prosecutors, and officers must

control their actions and be held accountable for them. A powerful biblical illustration of this principle is found in 1 Kings

3:16-28, where King Solomon was faced with the dispute between two women claiming the same child. Instead of acting

rashly or unfairly, Solomon exercised wisdom, discernment, and restraint, ultimately uncovering the truth and protecting

justice. His example highlights the importance of self-control and integrity in positions of authority. In the same way,

modern justice administrators must act with impartiality and fairness, not prejudice. Research directly reinforces this:

Behavioral-science-based training has been shown to reduce use-of-force incidents and racial disparities in arrests (Crime

Lab, 2023). Just as Solomon's judgment upheld justice, intentional training and accountability can keep leaders aligned

with constitutional values.                                                                                                                                                           

A Biblical worldview further strengthens this argument. Yes, I possess a Biblical Worldview. Scripture emphasizes the equal

worth of every human being, teaching us that justice, mercy, and humility must guide our treatment of others. I see this as a

moral safeguard that pushes us toward fairer policies and humane decisions in the justice system.

Dilemma Response

If faced with the hijacking scenario as President of the United States, I would resist choosing to sacrifice the passengers on

board. While utilitarian reasoning may directly argue for the "greater good," the Constitution and the 14th Amendment

affirm the equal right to life and due process. Like Solomon, who chose discernment over rash action, a leader in this

moment must seek alternatives such as negotiation, evacuation, or precise interception. To deliberately take innocent lives,

strip them of equal protection, and contradict both constitutional and biblical principles. This scenario requires a tough

decision, but as President, I would exhaust all means to preserve life.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the 14th Amendment challenges us to measure justice not by ideals alone, but by the many outcomes they

achieve. Solomon's wisdom reminds us that true justice requires fairness, discernment, and moral courage. Modern research

confirms that accountability and reform can help close the gap between principle and practice. Living out the values

of the 14th Amendment is more than a legal obligation; it is a moral commitment to honor the dignity of every person, no

matter their circumstances.