Significance of Race in the Use of Restitution (From System in Black and White: Exploring the Connections Between Race, Crime, and Justice, P 199-212, 2000, Michael W. Markowitz and Delores D. Jones-Brown, eds. -- See NCJ-183600)

• NCJ Number: 183611
• Author(s): Evelyn Gilbert
• Date Published: 2000
• Length: 14 pages
• Sale Source: Praeger Publishers
• Publication Format: Book (Hardbound)
• Publication Type: Collected Work
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

This study investigated whether offense or offender factors predicted punitive restitution using data from a residential restitution program in Alabama.

Abstract

Alabama's first restitution program opened in May 1980 in Montgomery County. The study group consisted of all probationers in residence at the restitution center between May 29, 1980, and May 31, 1981. Demographic, offense, and financial variables were analyzed. Of 88 probationers in residence at the restitution center who were included in the analysis, 34 were white and the average age was 22 years; 61 percent were single and stayed an average of 61 days at the restitution center. The average amount of money owed was $876, although the probationers paid only an average of $506 while at the restitution center. There were almost twice as many black probationers as white probationers at the restitution center. The average age of black men was 25 years; 53 percent were single and were in residence an average of 96 days. On average, the probationers paid $626 toward the restitution obligation of $815. Results of analysis for black probationers demonstrated that race influenced the nature of punitive restitution. 30 references and 7 tables