NCJ Number
86645
Journal
Journal of Applied Social Psychology Volume: 11 Issue: 1 Dated: (1981) Pages: 83-91
Date Published
1981
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This study examines 628 offenders' presentence probation reports to determine the impact of remorsefulness and alcohol use on sentencing.
Abstract
Regression analysis found that remorseful offenders received less severe sentences than nonremorseful offenders. Those convicted of minor offenses received more lenient sentences if they had used alcohol in conjunction with their crimes than if they did not use alcohol. The opposite was the case for offenders commiting serious crimes. Remorseful offenders with few prior alcohol-related convictions received less severe sanctioning than nonremorseful offenders with similar conviction records. In contrast, recidivists who were remorseful were dealt with more harshly than their nonremorseful counterparts. Footnotes, figures, and over 30 references are supplied. (Author abstract modified)