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Probation Recommendations and Sentences Received: The Association Between the Two and the Factors That Affect Recommendations

NCJ Number
237414
Journal
Criminal Justice Policy Review Volume: 22 Issue: 4 Dated: December 2011 Pages: 494-517
Author(s)
Denise Leifker; Lisa L. Sample
Date Published
December 2011
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This study explored the role of legal and extralegal factors in sentencing recommendations.
Abstract
Although an association has been established between sentencing recommendations made by probation officers and the actual sentences received by offenders, to date, few scholars have examined the role of offender and officer characteristics in these recommendations. This article uses quantitative data from one small California jurisdiction between 2004 and 2006 to explore the role of legal and extralegal factors in sentencing recommendations. The minimal impact of extralegal factors is discussed and conclusions are made about why this may be the case. Ultimately, this research is intended to shed further light on the sentencing process and the previously documented sentencing disparities that exist. (Published Abstract)