Examining the Impact of Concentrated Disadvantage on Criminal Sentencing

• In Event: Individual and Community Factors in Sentencing

Abstract

Research on criminal sentencing tends to focus on the impact of individual and legal factors. However, various studies indicate a relationship between ecological factors, such as concentrated disadvantage, and criminal sentencing. Individuals from disadvantaged neighborhoods are generally convicted more and sentenced more severely than individuals living in economically secure neighborhoods. In this study, we use multi-level modeling to examine county-level disadvantage in one state over a several year period to assess its impact on criminal sentencing. Policy implications will also be discussed.

Authors

• Rimonda Maroun, University of Massachusetts Lowell

• Kareem L. Jordan, University of Massachusetts Lowell