The Impact of the Pennsylvania Sentencing Guidelines on Sex Differences in Sentencing

Brenda Sims Blackwell, David Holleran, Mary A. Finn

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

30 Scopus citations

Abstract

Although it has been argued that sentencing guidelines reduce the favorable treatment afforded female offenders, only one study has directly theoretically assessed the impact of guidelines on sentencing outcomes for men versus women. This study examines the influence of guidelines on the outcomes of male and female defendants sentenced in Pennsylvania by examining three periods, including one period during which guidelines were suspended. Results indicate that female, compared to male, offenders were less likely to be incarcerated in jail or prison and received shorter sentences in all periods; differences were not greatest when guidelines were suspended. Findings suggest that Pennsylvania's structured sentencing model has not affected the sex—sentencing relationship in that state.
Original languageAmerican English
JournalJournal of Contemporary Criminal Justice
Volume24
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 19 2008

Keywords

  • gender
  • sentencing
  • sentencing guidelines
  • sex

DC Disciplines

  • Legal Studies
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • Criminology and Criminal Justice

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The Impact of the Pennsylvania Sentencing Guidelines on Sex Differences in Sentencing'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this