NCJ Number
116716
Editor(s)
M L Benson
Date Published
Unknown
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes the results of a replication of the Wheeler, Weisburd, and Bode (1982) study on sentencing white-collar criminals.
Abstract
The purpose of the replication was to determine if findings from the original study could be extended to a different population of offenders. Contrary to Wheeler et al., it was determined that socioeconomic status did not have a significant effect on sentence outcomes. The seriousness of the offense was positively associated with the probability of imprisonment and length of sentence. Measures of the defendant's criminal background, role in the offense, and attitude toward the offense had the same effects on length of sentence as in the Wheeler et al. study. Three variables were found to be significant in the replication study that were not in the original study. Race and type of attorney influenced the probability of imprisonment, and source of conviction influenced the length of sentence of those incarcerated. Notes, references. (Author abstract modified)