The Law: Judge in a City of Fear

Detroit is a city of black crime and white fear—a paradigm of the urban tragedy in America. Blacks, who make up almost 40% of the population, commit 85% of all reported crimes, which jumped 14% last year. Almost every white claims to know someone who has been mugged or robbed by young black thugs; karate and gun clubs thrive in the white suburbs. White commuters call the city "Indian country," never argue with black motorists and avoid walking downtown except in broad daylight. During the Christmas shopping season, police loudspeakers warned: "Walk in...