The Unintended Consequences of Promising Black Americans Reparations

Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice 20 (4), 11-20.

10 Pages Posted: 5 Jun 2020 Last revised: 25 Nov 2020

Date Written: May 9, 2020

Abstract

In this article, I offer the opposing view (con-side) against reparations for American slavery, as if in a forensic debate before a moot court: I presume the American public will judge the merits of my opposing arguments. I oppose reparations for slavery based on:

1) the legal standard of culpability,

2) the “clean-hands doctrine,

3) Black people who were themselves slave owners, and

4) fairness in the administration of justice.

While anyone else is welcome to argue the pro-side, I argue the con-side of the following proposition: America owes Black Americans reparations because of its history of plantation slavery, which has privileged White Americans economically over Black Americans. I provide a plethora of evidence that reparations and justice are incompatible in the application of American justice. Moreover, any law requiring reparations for slavery could create an unintended liability for far too many Black Americans whose ancestry extends far beyond Sub-Saharan Africa.

Keywords: black slave owners, reparations, culpability, justice, law, proposition, injury, clean hands, restitution

Suggested Citation

Bell, Reginald, The Unintended Consequences of Promising Black Americans Reparations (May 9, 2020). Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice 20 (4), 11-20., Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3597158

Reginald Bell (Contact Author)

Prairie View A&M University ( email )

Prairie View, TX
United States
9362619247 (Phone)
77433-6048 (Fax)

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