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Dispositions, Pleas and Sentencing in Suncity

NCJ Number
86401
Author(s)
J Figueira-McDonough
Date Published
1982
Length
55 pages
Annotation
This study identifies the criteria used in three major judicial decisions -- dispositions, pleas, and sentencing -- in a southern court and investigates differences in criteria used for male and female defendants.
Abstract
It evaluates dispositions and sentences by referring to an ideal justice model, which sets evidence as the major determinant of sentence severity. Pleas were investigated by referring to a variety of interpretive propositions. Findings indicate that over half of the variance in dispositions results form factors not related to evidence (defense effectiveness and personal traits). Males' dispositions are more strongly based on evidence than female's and consequently closer to a justice model. Guilty pleas are most often opted by groups favorably treated at disposition (white and young defendants) and are not based on considerations of the evidence. Women rely more heavily on plea bargaining and less on guilty pleas than men probably because the local court is willing to make concessions to a group it perceives as less dangerous. Sentence reduction does not appear to be an inducement much used for guilty pleas of less serious crimes. Offense has a significant impact on sentence, but the impact of process variables (types of release and pleas) is stronger. Female offenders appear to be handled more justly than men. Study data are included.