NCJ Number
80095
Date Published
1980
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This document summarizes the findings of a statistical study of recent felony sentencing practices in Iowa.
Abstract
The study focused on the question of whether or not there is a significant disparity among the major counties and large rural areas of Iowa in the rate of commitment of convicted felons. A case file covering 14,393 sentences imposed during the 5-year period 1974-1978 was utilized to compute commitment rates for 18 selected counties and rural areas in the State's 8 judicial districts. These rates were corrected to apply to a single body of sentenced offenders with fixed characteristics because there is a substantial variation across the State in the types of offenders sentenced, with higher percentages of violent and repeat offenders in the more populous areas. The final product of the study consists of a ranking of the 18 counties according to these corrected commitment rates, which has allowed the precise pinpointing of the extent of overall disparity among the chosen jurisdictions. Further refinement allows, in addition, a close look at the nature of this disparity as it arises within six selected sentencing offense categories. Tabular data and footnotes are provided. (Author summary modified)