NCJ Number
95345
Journal
Sociological Quarterly Volume: 25 Issue: 3 Dated: (Summer 1984) Pages: 385-396
Date Published
1984
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Studies of criminal justice processing of adults commonly report that females are accorded more lenient treatment than are males.
Abstract
These results have given rise to theories that chivalry and male paternalism cause gender discrimination. This study examines the relationship between gender and charge reduction in the criminal justice process. Analyses focus on (1) the extent to which gender affects charge reduction independent of other social and legal variables, and (2) whether gender operates indirectly through variables that are correlated with it. The data are drawn from one judicial district in Florida using information from presentence reports. Using a variety of measures, we find no evidence that there is differential treatment of gender in charge reduction considerations. Tabular data and 37 references are provided. (Author abstract modified)