Citation

Kingsnorth RF, MacIntosh RC, Berdahl T, Blades C, Rossi S. J. Contemp. Crim. Justice 2001; 17(2): 123-141.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1043986201017002004

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Utilizing a random sample of 455 cases, this article analyzes the impact of interracial/ethnic dyads on domestic violence case processing through the Sacramento County Criminal Court system during the period July 1, 1995, to June 30, 1996. The following five outcome measures were identified for analysis: (a) the decision to file charges, (b) the decision to file cases as felonies versus misdemeanors, (c) the decision to fully prosecute versus case dismissal, (d) whether a case was convicted on felony or misdemeanor charges, and (e) the length of sentence imposed. Logistic and linear regression analysis revealed no effect of interracial/ethnic dyads on any of these decision points. The variables (legal and extralegal) that shape each outcome are identified and discussed.