Racial Disparity Under Sentencing Guidelines: A Survey of Recent Research and Emerging Perspectives

Brian D. Johnson, Jacqueline G. Lee

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

Recent concerns over racial disparities in sentencing have led to dramatic reform in criminal sentencing, including the widespread promulgation of sentencing guidelines that are designed to constrain judicial discretion and create greater fairness, transparency, and equality in punishment. Although there is broad consensus that guidelines have increased uniformity in sentencing, contemporary research continues to identify important racial and ethnic disparities in criminal punishment. This essay reviews recent empirical research on racial and ethnic disparities under guidelines, highlighting recent advancements in the field and identifying important directions for future research.
Original languageAmerican English
JournalSociology Compass
Volume7
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2013
Externally publishedYes

EGS Disciplines

  • Criminology and Criminal Justice
  • Race and Ethnicity

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