An Examination of the Effects of Race, Gender, and Prior Record on Juvenile Court Outcomes

• In Event: Juvenile Court Outcomes and Experiences of Incarcerated Youth: Race, Gender, Offense Severity, and Role Conflict

Abstract

One interpretation of the symbolic threat thesis is that race differences in juvenile court processing are based on interactions between offender characteristics and social-psychological reactions of decision-makers. Framed within this context, the present research examines the role that race, gender and prior record, individually and in combination, have on juvenile court outcomes. Data from multiple courts are used to address these objectives. The results have implications for better understanding the determinants of social control within juvenile justice proceedings.

Authors

• Maude Beaudry-Cyr, University of South Florida

• Michael Leiber, University of South Florida