SENTENCING COUNCILS - A STUDY OF SENTENCE DISPARITY AND ITS REDUCTION

• NCJ Number: 42565
• Journal: University of Chicago Law Review Volume: 43 Issue: 1 Dated: (FALL 1975) Pages: 109-149
• Author(s): S S Diamond; H Zeisel
• Date Published: 1976
• Length: 41 pages
• Grant Number(s): 75-NI-99-0020
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)

Annotation

THE PROBLEMS CAUSED BY SENTENCING DISPARITY ARE REVIEWED IN THIS ARTICLE, AND A METHOD OF MEASURING DISPARITY IS DEVELOPED AND TESTED.

Abstract

THE ARTICLE FIRST REVIEWS THE PROBLEMS CREATED BY SENTENCING DISPARITY AND RECOUNTS EARLIER EFFORTS TO STUDY THE PHENOMENON. IT THEN DEVELOPS A MEASURE OF DISPARITY AND USES IT TO ASSESS THE MAGNITUDE OF THE PROBLEM IN TWO FEDERAL DISTRICT COURTS: THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS (CHICAGO) AND THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK (BROOKLYN). FINALLY IT DESCRIBES THE OPERATION OF THE SENTENCING COUNCILS IN THESE TWO COURTS AND TRIES TO ASSESS THEIR ABILITY TO REDUCE DISPARITY. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)...EB