A Mixed Methods Approach to Understanding Early Case Processing Decisions and Prosecutorial Attitudes Toward Screening Procedures

• In Event: Understanding Prosecutorial Decisions: Court Community Dynamics, Progressive Reforms, and Organizational Structures

Abstract

Research examining prosecutors’ case outcomes has grown considerably in recent years, however, there are still relatively few mixed methods or qualitative analyses examining prosecutors’ attitudes and experiences. These studies reveal several key findings about the factors that influence prosecutors and their considerations when handling cases. Importantly, prosecutors are somewhat aware of their ability to shape policy and increase parity in case outcomes through their decisions. They are also influenced by supervisors, legislative changes, and public pressures. Despite strides in recent research, much is still unknown about prosecutors’ views related to case processing procedures in their offices, their perceptions about how such procedures may inhibit case processing efficacy and undermine their goal of shaping just outcomes, and whether offices should shift to a more data-driven decision-making approach. The current study addresses this gap in scholarship by using interviews, observations from an Early Case Assessment Bureau, and administrative case data gathered from a large, urban District Attorney’s Office in the Northeast. Specifically, this mixed methods approach will be used to understand early case processing decisions in this jurisdiction and ways prosecutors think screening procedures influence case resolutions. The findings are discussed in terms of internal office practices and boarder prosecutorial policy.

Author

• Maria Arndt, John Jay College of Criminal Justice