In this book, Laurence Armand French examines the development of medical, clinical, and legal ethical standards against the backdrop of longstanding racial and gender biases in the United States. He investigates how White privilege and elitism have justified discriminatory practices, from the eugenics movement of the past to contemporary issues highlighted by the #MeToo and Black Lives Matter movements. The narrative identifies key events that reveal systemic racism, particularly those intensified during Donald J. Trump's presidency. The evolution of ethical standards is portrayed as a response to entrenched discrimination based on gender, age, race, and ethnicity. The influence of a White supremacist worldview has perpetuated systemic biases affecting people of color and women, deeply embedded in the social fabric of economic, academic, and judicial institutions. This dynamic has significant implications for both procedural and social justice, which are foundational to the ethical standards enshrined in the Constitution. French's work seeks to unravel the social and psychological factors contributing to these issues. This concise yet comprehensive analysis serves as a valuable resource for a diverse audience, including criminal justice students, scholars, researchers, and professionals in social and physical sciences.
