NCJ Number
98790
Date Published
1985
Length
128 pages
Annotation
This manual presents a brief project description (data scope, data collection, and variables) and codebooks for the Pennsylvania Sentencing Commission's collection of sentencing data for 1977, 1980, and 1983.
Abstract
The 1977 data are based on individual 12 percent samples of sentences selected from each of Pennsylvania's 67 counties; the data include sentences imposed for felonies and misdemeanors, excluding driving under the influence (2,907 cases). The 1980 data are from 23 of the State's 67 counties, with the sampling strategy varying by county (2,023 cases). The 1983 data are based on sentencing guideline forms submitted to the commission by sentencing judges (16,569 cases). The variables in the three files are identified as defendant's sex, race, age, prior record, offense charge, sentence, weapon usage, and socioeconomic status, as well as victim information. Preceding each codebook, a cover sheet presents the file name, number of cases, sampling procedure, project description, type of information, and source of information. The codebooks contain the variable code numbers and matching descriptions as well as coding instructions.