The Illinois Supreme Court on Tuesday let stand a prison sentence of less than seven years for a white Chicago police officer convicted of killing black teenager Laquan McDonald that many criticized as far too lenient.

…The 40-year-old Jason Van Dyke, the first Chicago police officer sentenced for an on-duty shooting in a half century, could go free in as little as three years with credit for good behavior behind bars.

McDonald was carrying a small knife in 2014 when Van Dyke exited his squad car and almost immediately opened fire. Police video released in 2015 showed Van Dyke firing 16 bullets into McDonald, many after the 17-year-old had crumpled to the ground.

…Asked whether Van Dyke’s comparatively light sentence was an illustration of racial disparities in sentencing, Raoul paused before saying: “Suffice to say that I believe the sentence was inconsistent with the law.”

…In his seven-page explanation, Neville added that allowing a sentence that’s not grounded in proper law undermines the public’s sense of justice.

Court upholds ex-Chicago officer Jason Van Dyke’s sentence for Laquan McDonald shooting

If an officer armed with a gun fears for his safety when confronted with a teenager with a knife, that officer has no business wearing a badge.