Understanding the Complexities of Transfer: The Impact of Juvenile Race and Gender on Waiver Decisions

• In Event: Exploring Racial Disparities in Juvenile Justice Processing

Abstract

Prior research has consistently found the presence of disparities across extra-legal factors of decision-making in various stages of juvenile court processing. However, less research has inquired about the combined effects of a juvenile’s race and gender on the decision to transfer youth to adult court. This void in the literature is surprising given what is already known about race and gender disparities throughout other decision-making points in the juvenile justice system, but not concerning a decision that potentially treats youth in the same manner as adults charged with criminal offenses. In light of this limitation, the current study examines both the individual and joint influence of race and gender on transfer decisions in a sample of all transfer-eligible youth in a Northeast state from 2004-2014. The study adds to the growing body of research on the use of transfer mechanisms in the juvenile justice system as well as uncovers a more detailed understanding of the intricacies of transfer decision-making surrounding the characteristics of juvenile offenders. The results have important implications for the court processing of juveniles by informing researchers, practitioners, and policyholders about the impact of reforms that target specific decision points.

Authors

• Sara L. Bryson, University of Central Florida

• Jennifer H. Peck, University of Central Florida