This monograph explores the Hispanic experience of the criminal justice system by examining statistics provided by Federal, State, and local agencies. A review of the literature provides a theoretical perspective from which to view the data. Examination of the first set of data begins with a description of the experiences of Puerto Ricans in the New York State and New York City correctional systems. Statistical descriptions of Hispanic offenders in New York are presented. The following section reports on the experiences of Hispanic offenders in the Federal criminal justice system. The data describe the relationships among extra-legal characteristics of offenders and discretionary judgements of criminal justice professionals. A series of recommendations are made to criminal justice agencies suggesting strategies for change. (MK)