Disparities in Criminal Sentencing Research Report

Disparities in Criminal Sentencing Introduction According to the Pew Research Center, African-American males incarceration is predominantly concentrated among Black males aged between 20 and 34. A number of factors contribute to this alarming statistics. While focusing on incarceration, studies demonstrate that the population in national prisons has increased by more than 600% from 1970s (Robinson, 2009). This is a significantly large number compared to the 40% increase in the national population during the same period. Before the 70s, the judicial systems in America were viewed as the most liberal, progressive, and humane. In the 1980s, federal and state governments launched new correctional centers to support the inflow of prisoners (United States Department of Labor, Office of Policy Planning and Research, 1965). Across these correctional facilities, societal, cultural, and economic inequalities were the leading contributors of Black males incarceration rates. This study examines the factors that led to this high incarceration rate among African-American males. Socio-Economic Inequality Structural socio-economic favoritism refers to the contrast in the distribution of assets, economic resources, and salary between individuals in society. While examining the statistics, I understood that such disparities contribute to the increasing detention rates in United States. The prison boom and the inequality both stems from the mid-1970s (Cohen, 2010). To demonstrate thisShow MoreRelatedMandatory Minimum Sentencing Guidelines And Guidelines942 Words   |  4 Pagesmandatory minimum sentencing. The Committee decided the guidelines would be set the levels in the Drug Quantity Table (Hinojosa 1998). This would be done to create a set standard for levels 26 and 32. see table 1 {Table 1 About Here} These levels would work along with a standard set of program ranges that are above the statutory mandatory minimum sentencing laws (Weld 1986). Congress was not in favor of the sentencing table and told the USSC to prepare to research and present their findingsRead MoreMale And Female Sentencing : A Look Into Alternative Sentencing1274 Words   |  6 PagesFemale V Male Sentencing A Look into Alternative Sentencing Ritchey, Christian American Military University Author Note This paper was prepared for CRMJ201. Abstract With incarceration rates rising and jail and prison populations at an all-time high, alternative sentencing is being used more often with non-violent offenders. This paper looks at male and female incarceration rates, the use of alternative programs for sentencing between the two and the effectiveness of such programs. During the paperRead MoreCircuit Criminal Court Sentencing Docket Attendance: A Report881 Words   |  4 PagesReport On Attendance of Circuit Court Criminal Sentencing Docket Date Attended: March 14, 2013 Place: Morgan County Courthouse, Decatur, Alabama Judge: Glenn Thompson Docket Criminal sentencing Attorneys Multiple attorneys representing multiple clients On March 14, 2013, the writer of this work attended a criminal sentencing docket at the Morgan County Courthouse in the Circuit Court in Decatur, Alabama. The Honorable Glenn Thompson was presiding over the criminal sentencing docket. The docketRead MoreInfluential Factors on a Juveniles Life1510 Words   |  6 PagesThere are numerous influential factors that can determine the path a juvenile takes in life. Research has consistently shown that a juvenile’s family setting is one of the most influential factors in the juvenile’s life (Hawkins, Herrenkohl, Farrington, Brewer, Catalano, and Harachi, 1998). A common finding among research has been that children from â€Å"broken homes† or single parent homes are more likely to become involved in delinquent behaviors (Tanner). Single parent homes are more often than notRead MoreRacial and Ethnic Disparity and Criminal Justice3054 Words   |  12 PagesRacial and Ethnic Disparity and Criminal Justice: How much is too much? In this article, Robert, April, and Jorge (2010) acknowledges previous research reports on this topic and reveals that race, and racial patterns have found their way in involvement of crime. However, Robert, April, and Jorge (2010) argue that there is no significant proof that there are meaningful racial disparities in the legal systems. Although some literatures provide research on the existence of racial profiling by policeRead MoreThe Bias And Discretion Of The Sentencing Process1415 Words   |  6 Pagesbiases exist within our court system when it comes down to sentencing. So, are we saying the judges are racist? This learner hopes not, but she cannot help but wonder if they are just based on the number of African American that is housed in our jails/prisons. There just seems to be an overwhelming amount of us incarcerated verses Caucasians. It is also amazing that some of the sentencing time that judges past down for the same type of criminal act (e.g., burglary, auto theft, et c.) seems to be worstRead MoreSentencing Disparities And Race On Criminal Sentencing2644 Words   |  11 PagesIntroduction Sentencing disparities as a result of an individual’s race or ethnic background, has been one of the most frequently investigated topics in criminological research. (Mitchell, Mackenzie 2004). Several studies have attempted to understand the impact of the offenders’ race on criminal sentencing but there has been variation in the results- some of studies concluded race does effect sentencing regardless of the legal variables; some studies revealed it does not; while other studies concludedRead MoreJudges On Trial : A Reexamination Of Judicial Race And Gender Effects Across Modes Of Conviction1044 Words   |  5 PagesCommission on Sentencing that has been strengthened to include information on sentencing judges and criminal court contexts, and it argues that the mode of conviction shapes the focus of sentencing discretion in ways that systematically underestimate judge effects for pooled estimates of incarceration and sentence length (Johnson, p. 159). Research that f ocuses on the effects of judicial background characteristics suggest minimal influence based on race or gender of the sentencing judge in criminal casesRead MoreThe Criminal Justice System And Women1773 Words   |  8 PagesHistory of Sentencing Disparities in sentencing have existed since the dawn of the Criminal Justice System and women are seen to be favoured by the system when compared to men because of notions that women offenders are more cooperative in the judicial process, women are primary care givers to children and that they are only accessories of crime because of the association with male criminals. However, it is not until recently that appearing as a defendant has changed from an intimidating experienceRead MoreRacial Disparities Within The United States1793 Words   |  8 PagesRacial Disparities in Sentencing In a country where many believe the hatchet of racism was buried with its first black president, many people of color, both non-black and black are still frustrated and disappointed in the progress to be made. Many progressives prefer to see America as a colorblind nation, a nation where if you work hard and do right, you ll fulfill the American Dream. Often this dream is accompanied with challenge after challenge for people of color. Of course what first must