NCJ Number
96737
Date Published
1981
Length
32 pages
Annotation
Analysis of a sample of 2,495 felons released from United States prisons in 1972 indicates that eliminating racism in the courts and prisons will not eliminate racial differences in crime rates. Only reducing disparities in preprison labor markets can achieve that result.
Abstract
Based on State prison data, Thorsten Sellin argues that the disproportionate involvement of blacks in the criminal justice system is a legacy of racism and slavery. This study compiled the following information on 2,495 Federal prisoners released to the community: personal characteristics, previous employment, criminal justice system characteristics, criminal history, offense type, and recidivism or parole violation after 1 year. The sample revealed distinct differences between black and white ex-offenders and that blacks had higher recidivism rates. The study applied an economic model which views participation in crime as a consequence of economic choices constrained by opportunities and socioeconomic factors. The results showed that blacks and whites experience differences in certainty and severity of punishment, but equal treatment in that area does not close the gap in recidivism. Blacks and whites are treated differently in prison and blacks are less likely to be released on parole, but equal treatment here does not change the differences in recidivism. Equalization of previous criminal histories has no effect on the recidivism gap. Equal treatment in preprison employment will reduce the recidivism gap, although only by a small amount. Tables and nine references are supplied.