NCJ Number
99748
Journal
Crime and Delinquency Volume: 31 Issue: 4 Dated: (October 1985) Pages: 481-500
Date Published
1985
Length
20 pages
Annotation
Sentencing guidelines have attracted extensive attention as a rational approach to sentencing reform despite little evidence that guidelines act to reduce disparity or increase fairness.
Abstract
This article reports on a major assessment of Pennsylvania's commission-developed guidelines. The findings indicate that the Commission's guidelines have had a substantial impact on sentencing. The article focuses particularly on race, county size, and disparity measures in evaluating the impact of the guidelines. The findings support the conclusion that commission-based guidelines can effect meaningful sentencing reform. (Author abstract)