(iPoster) Under Law or under God? Sentencing in Federal District Courts

• In Event: Poster Session: Judicial Politics & Public Administration
  In Poster Session: Poster Session: Judicial Politics

Abstract

Religion is an influential factor in the decision making process of appellate judges, especially at the Supreme Court. In particular, religion plays an important role in understanding how judges make decisions related to issues such as religious freedom. However, we lack a comprehensive understanding of the role of religion in criminal trials. Utilizing data of case outcomes at the federal district courts from 1940 to 2000 and an original classification of religious denominations, this article examines how religion may influence decision-making in trial courts by assessing the effect of religion on sentencing outcomes. Looking at the United States District Courts specifically, this article will examine the relationship between the religious affiliations of a judge and the length of the sentences they impose in criminal trials. It is expected that federal district court judges who adhere to a strict religion will impose more punitive sentences. This finding will be a significant contribution to our understanding of the decision making process of trial court judges and how their religion influences those sentences.

Author

• Hannah Arning, University of Tennessee, Knoxville