NCJ Number
87092
Journal
Criminal Justice Review Volume: 7 Issue: 2 Dated: (Fall 1982) Pages: 58-67
Date Published
1982
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This study examined sentencing patterns in a mid-sized, midwestern town over the period 1932-75, gathering data from the criminal court dockets and including only cases originally filed as a felony and resulting in a conviction.
Abstract
The analyses indicate that prosecution of felonies and subsequent convictions did not keep pace with the increase in reported crime. Plea bargaining became an extremely common practice in later years, and the court-appointed defense counsel's role changed dramatically. Time delays between filing of information and sentencing increased greatly after the mid-1960's, and sentences to State penal institutions declined over the study period. Explanations for these changes and related developments are offered. Graphic and tabular data, footnotes, and 16 references are supplied. (Author abstract modified)