NCJ Number
25457
Date Published
1972
Length
256 pages
Annotation
REPORTS THE FIRST DETAILED STUDY OF THE PRACTICE OF MAGISTRATES IN RELATION TO EIGHT KINDS OF OFFENSES RANGING FROM DRUNKEN DRIVING TO SPEEDING IN ENGLAND.
Abstract
THIS STUDY EXAMINES THE VARIATIONS IN SENTENCES IMPOSED ON MOTORING OFFENDERS IN MAGISTRATES' COURTS. IT CHARTS THE EXTENT OF DISPARITY IN SENTENCES PASSED ON IDENTICAL CASES AND EXPOSES THE DIFFERENCES IN UNDERLYING PHILOSOPHY AND APPROACH TO THE PROBLEM. THE RESEARCH ALSO IN THE SENTENCING PROCESS AND IN PARTICULAR UNDERLINES THE INFLUENCE OF LOCAL BENCH TRADITIONS AND TARIFFS. PERSONAL DATA GATHERED FROM OVER 500 MAGISTRATES PROVIDES VITAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPOSITION OF THE COURTS. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT)