NCJ Number
104825
Date Published
1987
Length
150 pages
Annotation
This report examines sentences imposed for felony convictions in Alaska superior courts during calendar year of 1984.
Abstract
Data were obtained from the Prosecutors' Management Information System, the Alaska Public Safety Information Network, and the Offender Based State Correctional Information System. The report describes felony sentences imposed statewide, assesses the impact on sentencing patterns of social and legal policy changes, and demonstrates the feasibility of conducting sentencing research using secondary data sources. The legal and social policy changes assessed were increased reporting and enforcement for all offenses, especially sex-related offenses since 1980; adoption of the presumptive sentencing scheme in 1978 and modifications in 1982 and 1983; and reclassification by the legislature of sexual and drug offenses during the past 4 years. The description of sentencing patterns focuses on characteristics of offenders and cases, sentence characteristics, and the relationship of sentences to other variables (class of offense, trial, felony prior record, presumptive sentence, and charges). The impact of presumptive sentencing and examined regarding changes in the criminal justice system, the courts, the prison population, and sentencing disparity. 33 tables, 7 figures, and 33 footnotes.