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ERIC Number: ED211652
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1977
Pages: 72
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Sentence Disparity and Civil Rights.
Bahn, Charles
This report reviews the literature on sentence disparity and considers the advisability of additional efforts to provide more equality throughout the criminal justice system. Definitions of disparity are said to include: (1) differences between individual judges; (2) differences between comparable defendants; (3) differences between categories of offenses; (4) differences between regions and circuits; and (5) differences between courts of various levels. Civil rights issues in sentencing which include racial, sex, or class discrimination are also discussed along with measures for reform. Suggested reforms include the limitation of judicial discretion, the use of sentencing guidelines, panels or reviews, presentencing services, and improved communication between judges and correctional authorities. The report concludes that although the extent and causes of sentence disparity are unknown in many cases, it is certain that the United States Commission on Civil Rights has the authority and responsibility to take action with intent to resolve this issue. (JCD)
Publication Type: Information Analyses; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Commission on Civil Rights, Washington, DC.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A