Does Criminal History Matter Too Much in Sentencing Decisions?

• In Event: New Directions in Sentencing Research #2: The Oxford Handbook of Sentencing

Abstract

Criminal history is one of the core determinants of an offender’s sentence. But should it be? This chapter examines the theoretical arguments for weighing criminal history so heavily at sentencing and explores the class and racial implications of doing so.

Author

• Rhys Hester, Clemson University