The Interaction of Afrocentric Facial Features and Sex in Criminal Sentencing

• In Event: Race, Ethnicity, and Criminal Sentencing

Abstract

In order to more fully understand the effect that race has on sentencing outcomes, this research examines the role that Afrocentric facial feature bias and sex play in criminal sentencing. Afrocentric facial feature bias is thought to operate at the implicit level and disadvantages those possessing more stereotypically Afrocentric features, such as dark skin, wide nose, coarse hair, and full lips. Previous research has found that although racial category bias is minimal or no longer detectable in some jurisdictions, Afrocentric facial feature bias may be present. This research expands on the existing literature by examining whether this form of bias influences sentencing outcomes in Oregon, and if so, whether Afrocentric facial feature bias disproportionately affects one sex over the other. The research was conducted using a sample of inmates currently in prison in the State of Oregon. Effects were modeled using regression for Black and White inmates in order to determine the influence of legally relevant factors (e.g. offense severity, offender history) and extralegal factors (e.g. broad racial category, sex, court size, age). A second set of regression models were run for Black male and female inmates that also accounted for facial features, whose photos were coded for strength of Afrocentricity.

Author

• Amanda Petersen, Portland State University