Part of the problem is disproportionate offending8though not the biggest factor] the biggest part of it is that blacks receive longer prison sentences for committing crimes that whites receive lesser time for and or probation. Also add to the fact that blacks are more likely to get charged federally as opposed to being charged by state laws which normally carry less stiff sentences. More offending doesn't account for nor is it an excuse for giving blacks as a whole more stiffer sentences than whites.