Race and Ethnic Bias in Sentencing Decisions: A Review and Critique of the Literature (From System in Black and White: Exploring the Connections Between Race, Crime, and Justice, P 171-180, 2000, Michael W. Markowitz and Delores D. Jones-Brown, eds. -- See NCJ-183600)

• NCJ Number: 183609
• Author(s): Darren E. Warner
• Date Published: 2000
• Length: 10 pages
• Sale Source: Praeger Publishers
• Publication Format: Book (Hardbound)
• Publication Type: Collected Work
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

This review of the literature presents an evaluation of research examining the influence of race and ethnicity on decisions made in State and Federal courts.

Abstract

Despite overwhelming public perceptions of racial bias, no consistent pattern is demonstrated from research on sentencing practices in State and Federal courts. The one exception remains in the area of capital sentencing. Studies show conclusively that blacks are more likely to receive a death sentencing than whites, especially in cases involving white victims. Further research is recommended to analyze the social problem of disproportionate minority involvement in crime, racial disparities in capital sentencing, and the influence of race on stages of the criminal justice process that occur before a defendant is brought before a judge or a jury for sentencing. 38 references