Examining Predictions of Procedural Justice on Recidivism Among Youth Offenders

• In Event: Poster Session II

Abstract

The current state of affairs in the U.S. shows a debilitated relationship between the police and communities of color. According to procedural justice, community members are more concerned with the process of their interactions with legal actors rather than the actual outcomes. Research has shown that individuals who report having positive experiences with police officers are more likely to support and cooperate with legal actors in the future, which in turn increases their willingness to obey the law. Most research conducted on this topic, however, has neglected juvenile samples. Yet, the age group that is most likely to come into contact with police officers is those between 13 and 24. The goal of the current study is twofold: 1) to examine the relationship between perceived procedural justice and recidivism among serious youthful and young adult offenders and 2) to examine the lasting effect of procedural justice over a 12-month period. Using data from the Pathways to Desistance study, binary logistic regression will be applied to assess the long-term effects of perceived procedural justice on self-reported offending, while controlling for other rival influences. Pertinent policy implications will be discussed.

Author

• Susybel Roxana Pimentel, University of Cincinnati