Study of Sentencing in the Leeds Magistrates' Courts: The Treatment of Ethnic Minority and White Offenders

• NCJ Number: 135832
• Journal: British Journal of Criminology Volume: 32 Issue: 1 Dated: (Winter 1992) Pages: 41-53
• Author(s): I Brown; R Hullin
• Date Published: 1992
• Length: 13 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

Data on 3,700 defendants in Leeds magistrates' courts in 1988 were analyzed to determine whether any racial bias was apparent in the sentencing of black (Afro-Caribbean) and Asian defendants in comparison with white defendants.

Abstract

The defendants were all charged with offenses that were triable summarily or on indictment. Results showed that, in sentences passed by magistrates, no overall differences were found between the different ethnic groups. In three subgroups -- defendants aged 26-30, female defendants, and defendants charged with theft -- significantly more offenders of Afro-Caribbean origin received custodial sentences. However, in each case the variation in sentencing resulted from the defendant's criminal record. In addition, no significant difference was found in noncustodial sentences; however, significantly more Afro-Caribbean than white defendants were committed by magistrates for trial at the Crown Court. Tables and 14 references (Author abstract modified)