NCJ Number
112937
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 52 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1988) Pages: 53-57
Date Published
1988
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This study of sentencing severity examined attitudes toward and disposition of child sexual abuse cases in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia.
Abstract
Data included responses to attitudinal questionnaires of 166 city and county prosecutors and an analysis of criminal convictions and plea bargain agreements for 18,493 felony convictions in these jurisdictions between 1981 and 1984. In most cases, prosecutors were adamant in their feelings about the incarceration of child sexual abuse offenders, feeling that such offenders needed to be dealt with harshly. Further, both judges and prosecutors perceived these offenders as in a class by themselves. Compared to other felony convictions, child abuse cases are more likely to be resolved through plea bargaining. In addition, these offenders are less likely to be placed on probation, are more likely to be incarcerated, and are more likely to receive longer sentences than other felons, including those convicted of violent crimes such as aggravated assault and attempted murder. It is suggested that this greater sentencing severity may reflect society's opinion that crimes by adults against children are particularly heinous, especially those involving sexual abuse. 4 tables and 30 references.