Women, Crimes, and Judicial Dispositions - A Comparative Examination of the Female Offender

• NCJ Number: 96611
• Journal: Sociological Spectrum Volume: 4 Issue: 2-3 Dated: (1984) Pages: 249-273
• Author(s): L Williams; L T Winfree; H E Theis
• Date Published: 1984
• Length: 25 pages
• Grant Number(s): 1545
• Sponsoring Agency: Midwestern State University
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Using records from the Seattle Police Department, this study explored issues of a new 'masculinized' female offender and a 'chivalrous' criminal justice system.

Abstract

Crime-specific arrest statistics were used to study both questions. Arrest statistics were recoded three ways: according to traditional views of the 'masculinity' of an offense, legalistic crime categories, and seriousness ratings. These three categories were compared by sex across a 4 year period. Comparisons of final dispositions provided the basis of a final look at the 'chivalry' issue. The findings suggest that females are not making great inroads into either traditionally masculine crimes or crime in general, and while there is little in the data to suggest prejudicial treatment based on sex, chivalry is supported by certain arrest and disposition rates. Tabular data and 45 references are provided. (Author abstract modified)