15011. THE CASE FOR RACIAL PROFILING. This paper takes the controversial position that racial profiling – defined as the law enforcement practice of using race as one factor (but not the only factor) in the decision of whether to target an individual for a stop or investigation – has an acceptable and necessary place in American law enforcement. Following a brief overview of the current racial profiling controversy, this analysis presents an empirical and a legal argument in favor of the use of racial profiling. It is argued that racial profiling is empirically justified based on crime statistics showing the greater involvement of members of certain racial and ethnic groups in specific crimes. Based on a review of recent U.S. Supreme Court and U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rulings, it is further argued that the judicious use of racial profiling by law enforcement agencies is legally defensible against both Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment claims. KEYWORDS: racial profiling police practices argumentative essay. Written 2000. APA Style. 14 pages, 53 footnotes, 24 bibliographic sources. 4,326 words.