Prosecutorial Decision to Extend Plea Bargains and the Impact of Gender

• In Event: Disparities in Prosecutorial and Defendant Decision-Making

Abstract

This study examines how the gender of prosecutors affects their decisions to extend plea bargains. Using data from qualitative interviews with prosecutors, we examined the ways in which gender influences prosecutors in their perceptions regarding accused offenders. The results highlight that gender plays a significant role in shaping prosecutors' attitudes toward the accused, leading to variations in how they consider factors such as criminal history, socio-economic background, and historical racial inequalities. The varying perspectives suggest an impact on prosecutors' willingness to offer plea deals to defendants. The findings provide insights into the intricacies of the criminal justice system, with direct implications for research and policy.

Authors

• Makayla Mohr, University of Colorado Denver

• Vivian Aranda-Hughes, Michigan State University

• Mario Cano, University of Texas at El Paso