Victim Vulnerability and the Death Penalty: What is the Effect of Victim's Age on Capital Sentencing Decisions in North Carolina

• In Event: Capital Punishment: Sentencing Dilemmas and Concerns

Abstract

This study examines the population of capital murder trials in North Carolina (1977-2009) to examine the extent to which victim's age (children and the elderly)influence capital sentencing decisions. Various functional forms are employed to test for any vulnerable victim effects. The results show no significant effect for elderly victims, killers of children 12 years of age or younger are more likely to be sentenced to death.

Authors

• Christopher Marier, University of South Florida

• John Cochran, University of South Florida

• Sondra Fogel, University of South Florida

• M. Dwayne Smith, University of South Florida

• Beth Bjerregaard, University of North Carolina at Charlotte