NCJ Number
83382
Date Published
1980
Length
117 pages
Annotation
Methodology and findings are presented from a study of Alaska's felony sentencing from August 1976 to August 1979.
Abstract
One of the goals of the study was to determine if the sentencing disparity biased against minorities (blacks and natives) found in an earlier study by the Judicial Council (1974-76) still existed. Also examined were the effects of the elimination of plea bargaining. Sentencing was examined for each of six classes of offenses, and within each class, the most significant factors associated with increases or decreases in a typical sentence were identified and their impact determined. The data consisted of 1,346 convictions rendered in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau, the same jurisdictions examined in the earlier study. The findings show a dramatic reduction in sentencing disparity by race since the earlier study. Racially disproportionate sentences among property and fraud offenses have completely disappeared, and native defendants convicted of violent felonies were found to receive lesser sentences than either blacks or whites. The disparate sentences of blacks convicted of drug offenses have persisted, however, with the disparity appearing to be unchanged. The most important effects of the official prohibition of plea bargaining were found to be in trials and sentencing. Trials increased substantially, and for property, fraud, and drug offenses, sentences increased in severity. No appreciable increase appeared with violent offenses. Mean sentences among all offense classes have risen. Tabular and graphic data are provided.