Inequaliity in the Imposition of Long Sentences in the U.S. District Courts

• In Event: Bias and Inequality in Sentencing

Abstract

As the third decade of the 21st century unfolds, there is mounting evidence that Americans’ appetite for incarceration may be shrinking and that the United States must chart a different course on sentencing policies and practices. This project focuses on the imposition of long sentences—that is, sentences of 10 years or longer. We use USSC data for 2010 to 2017 to examine the prevalence of long sentences and the characteristics of those serving long sentences and to test for unwarranted disparities in the imposition of long sentences. Results indicate that receipt of a long sentence is affected by the seriousness of the offense and the offender’s criminal history, as well as the offender’s race, sex, age, citizenship status and education. We discuss reforms that have the potential to reduce the number of persons serving long sentences and to ameliorate unwarranted disparities in their imposition.

Authors

• Cassia Spohn, Arizona State University

• Margaret Wood, Arizona State University