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IMPACT OF THE GIDEON DECISION UPON CRIME AND SENTENCING IN FLORIDA, A STUDY OF RECIDIVISM AND SOCIOCULTURAL CHANGE

NCJ Number
3028
Author(s)
C J EICHMAN
Date Published
1966
Length
84 pages
Annotation
COMPARISON OF A GROUP OF INDIGENT INMATES RELEASED PREMATURELY AS A RESULT OF THE GIDEON DECISION WITH A CONTROL GROUP LEAVING PRISON AFTER SENTENCE EXPIRATION.
Abstract
THE GIDEON GROUP HAD A LOWER PRISON RETURN RATE THAN ITS COUNTERPART, AND DIFFERED SIGNIFICANTLY IN SOCIAL AND CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHARACTERISTICS. RESEARCH FINDINGS INDICATED THAT JUDGES HAVE NOT BECOME MORE PRONE TO USE INCARCERATION IN DISPOSING OF FELONY CASES SINCE THE SUPREME COURT DECIDED THE GIDEION CASE, AND THAT THE RULING INDIRECTLY RESULTED IN A RISE IN ROAD PRISON ESCAPE RATES.