Impact of Forensic Evidence on Sentencing

• In Event: Posters I

Abstract

Approximately 84% of criminal cases at the federal level and 95% of criminal cases at the state level end in plea bargains. Because plea bargains are widely used, it is important to analyze what impact the presence of a forensic analysis has on this process. Therefore, this poster will explore the effects of forensic evidence, specifically DNA, ballistics and fingerprints, on plea bargaining. The data used in this poster comes from the Impact of Forensic Evidence on Arrest and Prosecution research project funded by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ-2011-2822). Information for each case was collected from the Connecticut State Forensic Science Laboratory, relevant police departments, and the Connecticut court system. Policy implications will be discussed.

Authors

• Christine Marano, University of New Haven

• David Schroeder, University of New Haven

• Joseph Cusano, University of New Haven

• Meredith Emigh, University of New Haven