The South Dakota Equal Justice Commission, created by the South Dakota Supreme Court, to investigate perceptions of unfairness in the state's justice system, released its final report and recommendations last month.

The commission found that minorities, particular Native Americans, felt they were treated differently. Another state study confirmed higher rates of imprisonment and convictions for Native Americans than whites who committed the same crimes.

The final report recommends that more data be collected to ensure minorities aren't subject to racial profiling by police, more representation of minorities in the justice system and additional training and education about tribes and Indian law.

Get the Story:
Equal justice is only a perception in South Dakota (Indian Country Today 2/21)

Equal Justice Commission Final Report:
Report and Recommendations (January 2006)

Justice System Study:
Justice In South Dakota: Does Race Make A Difference? (October 2002)

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Race study confirms disparity (10/28)
S.D. study shows disparity in justice (10/22)