Disparities in Sex Offender Sentencing in Washington State

• In Event: The Punishment of Domestic Violence and Sex Offenses

Abstract

The Washington State Statistical Analysis Center is intending to study sentencing outcomes of sex offenders based on their charge, and their conviction. By evaluating demographic and characteristic differences between offenders with harsher (i.e., lengthier and more restrictive) sentences and vice versa, we can better inform the courts, allowing them to be better equipped when sentencing sex offenders and in turn, further reducing recidivism by administering the appropriate punishment. As equality under the law is a large concern for law enforcement, the courts, and corrections, this study will analyze aggregate data to determine if various groups are relatively similar in their sentencing outcomes.

Author

• Leah Fisher, Washington