NCJ Number
96776
Journal
International Journal of Sociology of Law Volume: 12 Issue: 4 Dated: (November 1984) Pages: 401-413
Date Published
1984
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This review of empirical studies that compared sentences for male and female offenders found that sentencing differentials based on sex are more pronounced for felonies than for misdemeanors.
Abstract
Study data came from the records of all persons sentenced in North Carolina from 1969 through 1977. The study focused on four felony offenses (second-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, larceny, and forgery) and on four misdemeanors (simple assault, child abandonment, worthless checks, and concealment of merchandise). Almost 10,000 cases were included. Females received significantly shorter sentences than males for all the felonies. In contrast, the sentences received by women and men were similar for three of the four misdemeanors. However, for child abandonment, women received significantly longer sentences than did men. Paternalism apparently exists in the criminal justice system in this State in felony cases. For the misdemeanors, harsher treatment of women in one offense may relate to the violation of gender role expectations. Data tables, notes, and a list of 35 references are supplied.