The Diversity of Intimate Homicide and Sentencing Outcome

• In Event: The Impact of Victimization on Punishment and Sentencing

Abstract

“Intimate Homicide” studies have disproportionately focused on traditional romantic relationships despite the existence of other relational categories between the victim and the offender. Using such a restrictive definition can impact sentencing outcomes by altering how juries and judges perceive the severity of homicides. The current study examines how different types of intimate relationships (proximal, estranged, dating/cohabiting, and familial) impact the decision to impose life without parole (LWOP) and death sentences in first-degree murder cases in Florida. The result indicates that type of intimate relationship significantly influences LWOP and death sentences. Additionally, there is a “white, female victim effect” to the extent that homicides involving white female victims are significantly more likely to be sentenced to death. These findings have significant legal and policy implications.

Authors

• Yu Cheung, University of South Carolina

• John Burrow, University of South Carolina