Citation

Keil TJ, Vito GF. J. Crim. Justice 1992; 20(3): 217-226.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1992, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/0047-2352(92)90046-C

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Using data from the Espy and Smykla file on executions in the United States, this study examined the effects of the Furman and Gregg decisions on Black-white execution ratios in the South. The southern states were divided into two subregions (core and periphery). The system established in Gregg had the desired effect of reducing the most apparent and visible form of discrimination in capital sentencing. It lowered the disparity in Black-white execution ratios. On the surface, bias in capital punishment was controlled because the race of the offender was no longer a determining factor. Blacks were no longer more likely to be executed than whites. Indeed, in both subregions, following Gregg the number of executions of whites actually exceeded that of Blacks. However, the Gregg decision has not eliminated discrimination by victim (white), which emerged as a factor.