An Examination of the Influence of Procedural Justice on Inmate Behavior

• In Event: Poster Session II

Abstract

Growing research examines the relationship between procedural justice and perceptions of the criminal justice system. The majority of this research focuses on police, finding individuals are more likely to accept outcomes when they perceive they were treated in a fair manner with dignity and respect (Mastrofski et al., 1996; Tyler, 2006). Little research examines perceptions of procedural justice within jail environments in the United States. The current research examines inmate perceptions of the jail environment, authority within the jail, and procedural justice. Using data from surveys conducted with inmates, this paper examines how inmate’s perceptions of procedural justice surrounding their arrest influence their perceptions regarding authority and obedience to jail staff. Finding suggests important implications for how interactions with law enforcement during arrest can have lingering effects on an inmate’s interactions with correctional staff and important jail outcomes (e.g., misconducts).

Authors

• Elizabeth Hatch, University of Texas at San Antonio

• Micaela Alvarado, University of Texas at San Antonio

• Jill Viglione, University of Central Florida

• Brandy L. Blasko, Sam Houston State University