The Relationship between the Gender of the Probation Officer and Judicial Sentencing: Implications for Black Male Offenders

• In Event: Division on Sentencing & Corrections Handbook Series Volume 2, Panel 2: Punishment Decisions: Locations of Disparity

Abstract

Connecting the minimal and maximalist perspectives of gender differences in decision making with aspects of the courtroom workgroup model, the present study examines the impact of the gender of probation officers and judges on sentencing recommendations and actual sentence (community versus incarceration) of White and Black adult male offenders. The main objectives are to examine the extent to which probation officer gender impacts sentencing recommendations and judicial sentencing by White male judges, and what these relationships entail concerning the treatment of Black male offenders compared to White male offenders. The results provide insight into the complexities of criminal justice decision-making and the potential concordance between recommendations and final outcomes.

Authors

• Michael Lieber, University of South Florida

• Jennifer Peck, University of Central Florida

• Melanie Rosa, University of South Florida

• Tayler Nicole Shreve, University of South Florida