NCJ Number
170788
Journal
New England Journal on Criminal and Civil Confinement Volume: 23 Issue: 2 Dated: (Summer 1997) Pages: 267-301
Date Published
1997
Length
35 pages
Annotation
This study examines a universal sample of persons charged with felonious child sexual abuse to try to obtain a comprehensive picture of how the criminal justice system treats such offenders.
Abstract
The study follows a paradigm for understanding prosecution of child sexual abuse based on the entire distribution of outcomes, not just highly visible, controversial cases. The study, conducted in the Superior Courts of Rhode Island, confirms previous findings concerning the percentage of cases carried forward, tried, and disposed by plea agreement. However, it challenges several previous studies in regard to the severity of sentences and the rate of incarceration. Specifically, it demonstrates a clear pattern of leniency in the treatment of convicted child molesters. The 9-year statewide average incarceration rate for those convicted for first-degree child molestation was under 60 percent; for second-degree molestation, the rate was under 30 percent. Moreover, sentencing for those incarcerated fell well under statutory specifications, and the study demonstrates significant differences in how individual judges handle these cases, with a few judges demonstrating a consistent pattern of leniency beyond the norms and variations of all other judges. Notes, tables, appendixes