Degree Name

MA (Master of Arts)

Program

Psychology

Date of Award

12-2022

Committee Chair or Co-Chairs

Jill Stinson

Committee Members

Andrea Clements, Meredith Ginley

Abstract

Demographic factors can influence criminal justice system outcomes. We examine legal system processing in 12 U.S. states from 1976-1991. Variables included: 1) race, age, and gender; 2) violent, sexual, and drug- and alcohol-related charges; 3) level of charge; 4) charges at arrest, trial, and final disposition; 5) time-lengths between each stage; 6) dismissal, plea bargaining, and conviction; and 7) final sentencing length. Significant differences in arrest, prosecution, plea bargaining, charge severity, and final sanctioning were observed dependent on race, gender, age, and the intersectionality of these characteristics. Implications for research policy to reduce the impact of disparities are discussed.

Document Type

Thesis - unrestricted

Copyright

Copyright by the authors.

Share

COinS