Racial Differences in Criminal Processing: The Consequences of Model Selection on Conclusions About Differential Treatment

Abstract

This study examines the irnpact of model selection on substantive conclusions about racial differences in presentence and sentencing practices. Using a statewide sarnple of convicted felons. an additive model is estimated to assess the direct and indirect effects of race on various dispositional decisions. Then. separate models for blacks and whites are estimated to evaluate within-and between-race differences. A cornparison of the results from each specification illustrates how the standard additive approach used in past studies can mask and suppress racial differences in criminal processing.The findings of race-specific models are then discussed in terms of their implications for further research on racial disparity in the application of criminal sanctions.

The Independent and Joint Effects of Race/Ethnicity, Gender, and Age on Sentencing Outcomes in U.S. Federal Courts

“…More recent studies of black-white sentencing differences in state and federal courts also find that black defendants tend to receive harsher sentences than similarly situated white defendants (Albonetti, 1997;Demuth & Steffensmeier, 2004;Mitchell, 2005;Steffensmeier & Demuth, 2000, 2001Steffensmeier et al, 1998). However, it is important to note that there are some studies that find no main effects of race (e.g., Engen & Gainey, 2000;Miethe & Moore, 1986).…”

Effects of Individual Characteristics on Plea Negotiations Under Sentencing Guidelines

“…Although the seriousness of the current offense and prior record were the most important influences in determining charge reductions, a substantial amount of research found that individual characteristics also influenced charge reductions (see Albonetti, 1992;Bernstein, Kick, Leung, & Schulz, 1977;Farnworth & Teske, 1995;Figueira-McDonough, 1985;LaFree, 1980;McDonald, 1985;Miethe & Moore, 1986;Voit, 1987).…”

Status, emotional displays, and the relationally-based evaluation of criminals and their behavior

“…Racial stereotypes linking race and ethnicity to criminality find that minority defendants are perceived as more dangerous, threatening and culpable than white defendants (Albonetti 1991(Albonetti , 1997Bridges and Crutchfield 1988;Bridges and Steen 1998;Farrell and Swigert 1978;Freiburger et al 2010;Kramer and Steffensmeier 1993;Miethe and Moore 1986;Steffensmeier and Demuth 2000;Steffensmeier et al 1998;Zatz 1984Zatz , 1985. Similarly, those individuals evaluated as committing the most serious crimes are more likely to be non-white Spohn, Gruhl and Welch 1981-82).…”