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Multiple Association Analysis of Race and Plea Negotiation - The Wynne and Hartnagel Data

NCJ Number
89888
Journal
Canadian Journal of Sociology Volume: 7 Issue: 4 Dated: (1982) Pages: 391-401
Author(s)
K W Taylor
Date Published
1982
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This analysis of criminal plea negotiations in Canadian criminal courts concludes that race as a determinant of plea negotiations is trivial. However, in some circumstances, natives are distinctly disadvantaged relative to whites in the likelihood of plea negotiation.
Abstract
These circumstances include being charged with indictable offenses, having previous arrest records, and being represented by counsel. Wynne and Hartnagel (1974) concluded that natives were disadvantaged relative to whites in criminal plea negotiations in Canadian courts. Reanalysis of the data using the multivariate methods reported in Taylor and Chappell (1980), while supporting the general conclusions of Wynne and Hartnagel, necessitates their extension and respecification. The reanalysis makes clear the need for further research. First, the overall moderate accounting for variation in plea negotiation (43-47 percent) suggests important variables have been omitted from consideration. Second, the inability to make reliable comparisons between whites and natives with all other variables controlled points to the need for planning samples with an eye toward data analysis requirements. Tables and footnotes are included. (Author abstract modified)