NCJ Number
41770
Date Published
1976
Length
141 pages
Annotation
THIS BOOK EXAMINES THE DEGREE OF INEQUALITY IN THE APPLICATION OF THE LAW IN MURDER CASES.
Abstract
ADDRESSING ITSELF TO THE CONTROVERSY THAT HAS ARISEN CONCERNING DIFFERENTIAL JUSTICE, THIS BOOK SUGGESTS THAT THE POPULAR CONCEPTION OF VIOLENT CRIMINALITY IS AN IMPORTANT INFLUENCE IN ADJUDICATION PROCEDURES. APPLICATION OF THE STEREOTYPE, AS A SYNTHESIS OF STATUS ATTRIBUTES THOUGHT TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH VIOLENCE, HAS A SELF-FULFILLING EFFECT. THOSE DEFENDANTS WHOSE APPEARANCE AND POSITION SUGGEST CONFORMITY TO THE CONCEPTION ARE DENIED THE PRESUMPTION OF INNOCENCE GUARANTEED TO ALL. THE CONSEQUENT DENIAL OF LEGAL RESOURCES ESSENTIAL FOR SUCCESSFUL DEFENSE PRODUCES THE OUTCOME PREDICTED BY LEGAL WISDOM: AWARD OF CONVICTION FOR CRIMINAL HOMICIDE. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT)....BDS