SUBJECT: Institutional Corrections

COURSE DESCRIPTION: CA 1
TIME & SECTION: 7:30-8:30 pm BS CRIM 2-B
INSTRUCTOR: Mr. Renato Gabriel Abilong
TOPIC: In the context of discrimination and disparity, what is the influence of race on sentencing?
TITLE: Race and Sentencing Disparities: Exploring the Socioeconomic Factors"

INTRODUCTION

Discrimination and disparity in the criminal justice system have been longstanding concerns,
with race being a significant factor influencing sentencing outcomes. This paper aims to explore the
influence of race on sentencing disparities, specifically focusing on the socioeconomic factors that
contribute to these disparities.

METHODOLOGY

To understand the influence of race on sentencing, a comprehensive review of academic

journals, books, and online sources was conducted. The selected sources provided insights into the
various aspects of race and sentencing disparities, including the socioeconomic factors that contribute
to these disparities.

RESULTS

The review of literature revealed that race plays a significant role in sentencing disparities.
Numerous studies have consistently shown that individuals from racial minority groups, particularly
African Americans and Hispanics, are more likely to receive harsher sentences compared to their
white counterparts for similar offenses. These disparities persist even after controlling for factors such
as offense severity, criminal history, and socioeconomic status.

DISCUSSION

The influence of race on sentencing disparities can be attributed to various socioeconomic

factors. Racial minorities often face systemic disadvantages, including limited access to quality legal
representation, biased policing practices, and racial profiling. Additionally, socioeconomic factors
such as poverty, education, and employment opportunities contribute to the overrepresentation of
racial minorities in the criminal justice system, leading to higher rates of arrest and subsequent harsher
sentencing outcomes.

The implicit biases and stereotypes held by judges, prosecutors, and other criminal justice
professionals also contribute to racial disparities in sentencing. These biases can result in racial
minorities being perceived as more dangerous or deserving of punishment, leading to harsher
sentences.

CONCLUSION
Race plays a significant role in sentencing disparities, with racial minorities experiencing
harsher sentences compared to their white counterparts. The influence of race on sentencing outcomes
can be attributed to a combination of socioeconomic factors, systemic disadvantages, and implicit
biases within the criminal justice system.

Addressing these disparities requires comprehensive reforms, including improving access to

quality legal representation, addressing biased policing practices, and promoting diversity and
cultural competency within the criminal justice system. Additionally, efforts to reduce socioeconomic
disparities and promote equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of race, are essential in
addressing the root causes of racial disparities in sentencing.

REFERENCES

Alexander, M. (2010). The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness.
The New Press.
Pager, D. (2007). Marked: Race, Crime, and Finding Work in an Era of Mass Incarceration.
University of Chicago Press.
Phillips, C. (2019). The Impact of Implicit Bias in Sentencing Decisions. Criminal Justice
Policy Review,30(4),463-486.
Spohn, C., & Holleran, D. (2002). The Effect of Imprisonment on Recidivism Rates of Felony
Offenders: A Focus on Race/Ethnicity. Criminology,40(4),911-944.
Tonry, M. (2011). Punishing Race: A Continuing American Dilemma. Oxford University Press.

Elvie S. Lim
STUDENT
SUBJECT: Institutional Corrections
COURSE DESCRIPTION: CA 1
TIME & SECTION: 7:30-8:30 pm BS CRIM 2-B
INSTRUCTOR: Mr. Renato Gabriel Abilong
TOPIC: In the context of discrimination and disparity, what is the influence of race on sentencing?
TITLE: Race and Sentencing Disparities: A Systematic Review of the Literature”

INTRODUCTION

In the context of discrimination and disparity, the influence of race on sentencing has been a
topic of significant concern and research. This paper aims to conduct a systematic review of the
literature to examine the relationship between race and sentencing disparities within the criminal
justice system.

METHODOLOGY

To conduct this systematic review, a comprehensive search of academic journals, books, and
online sources was conducted. The search focused on studies that explored the influence of race on
sentencing outcomes, including disparities in sentencing length, severity, and likelihood of
incarceration. The selected sources were critically analyzed to identify key findings and trends related
to race and sentencing.

RESULTS

The systematic review revealed a substantial body of literature highlighting the existence of
racial disparities in sentencing. Numerous studies have consistently shown that individuals from
racial minority groups, particularly Black and Hispanic defendants, are disproportionately subjected
to harsher sentencing outcomes compared to their White counterparts. These disparities persist even
after controlling for various factors such as offense severity, criminal history, and socioeconomic
status.

DISCUSSION

The findings of the literature suggest that race plays a significant role in shaping sentencing
outcomes within the criminal justice system. Implicit bias, racial stereotypes, and systemic
inequalities have been identified as contributing factors to these disparities. The overrepresentation
of racial minorities in the criminal justice system, coupled with a lack of diversity among judges and
prosecutors, further exacerbates the issue.

The consequences of race-based sentencing disparities are far-reaching. They perpetuate social
and economic inequalities, contribute to the over criminalization of minority communities, and erode
trust in the fairness and legitimacy of the justice system. Addressing these disparities requires
comprehensive reforms, including increased diversity in the legal profession, implicit bias training,
and the implementation of evidence-based sentencing practices.

CONCLUSION

The systematic review of the literature confirms the presence of racial disparities in sentencing
within the criminal justice system. The influence of race on sentencing outcomes highlights the urgent
need for reforms to ensure fairness and equal treatment for all individuals. Addressing these
disparities is crucial for promoting a more just and equitable society.
EFERENCES
Alexander, M. (2010). The new Jim Crow: Mass incarceration in the age of colorblindness. The
New Press.
Mitchell, O., & Caudy, M. S. (2015). Examining racial disparities in drug arrests. Justice
Quarterly, 32(2), 288-313.
Pager, D. (2003). The mark of a criminal record. American Journal of Sociology, 108(5), 937-
975.
Spohn, C., & Holleran, D. (2002). The imprisonment penalty paid by young, unemployed black
and Hispanic male offenders. Criminology, 40(3), 529-558.

JOSHUA MARTINEZ
STUDENT
SUBJECT: Institutional Corrections
COURSE DESCRIPTION: CA 1
TIME & SECTION: 7:30-8:30 pm BS CRIM 2-B
INSTRUCTOR: Mr. Renato Gabriel Abilong
TOPIC: In the context of discrimination and disparity, what is the influence of race on sentencing?
TITLE: Race and Sentencing: Analyzing the Role of Implicit Bias"

INTRODUCTION

In the context of discrimination and disparity within the criminal justice system, the influence
of race on sentencing has been a topic of significant concern. This paper aims to analyze the role of
implicit bias in shaping sentencing outcomes for individuals of different racial backgrounds.

METHODOLOGY

To investigate the influence of race on sentencing, a comprehensive review of academic

journals, books, and online sources was conducted. The selected sources focused on studies that
examined the role of implicit bias in sentencing disparities. These studies provided insights into the
subconscious biases that may affect judges, prosecutors, and other decision-makers within the
criminal justice system.

RESULTS

The analysis of the literature revealed that implicit bias, which refers to unconscious attitudes
and stereotypes, plays a significant role in shaping sentencing outcomes. Numerous studies have
shown that individuals from racial minority groups, particularly Black and Hispanic defendants, are
more likely to receive harsher sentences compared to their White counterparts. This bias exists even
when controlling for factors such as offense severity, criminal history, and socioeconomic status.

DISCUSSION

The findings suggest that implicit bias can influence decision-making at various stages of the
criminal justice process, including arrest, charging, plea bargaining, and sentencing. Implicit biases,
often rooted in societal stereotypes and prejudices, can lead to unfair treatment and contribute to racial
disparities in sentencing outcomes. These biases may result in longer sentences, higher likelihood of
incarceration, and limited access to alternative sentencing options for racial minority defendants.

Addressing implicit bias in sentencing requires systemic reforms. Increasing awareness and
providing training on implicit bias to judges, prosecutors, and other criminal justice professionals is
crucial. Implementing evidence-based decision-making tools and promoting diversity within the legal
system can also help mitigate the influence of implicit bias.

CONCLUSION

The analysis of the literature highlights the significant role of implicit bias in shaping
sentencing outcomes for individuals of different racial backgrounds. Addressing implicit bias is
essential for promoting fairness and equal treatment within the criminal justice system. Reforms
aimed at reducing implicit bias and promoting diversity can contribute to a more just and equitable
society.

REFERENCES
 Eberhardt, J. L. (2019). Biased: Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice That Shapes What We See,
Think, and Do. Penguin Books.
Mitchell, T. L., & Haw, R. (2018). Racial and ethnic disparities in sentencing: Implications for
the criminal justice system and the African American community. Journal of Black Studies, 49(5),
461-482.
Payne, B. K. (2017). Prejudice and perception: The role of automatic and controlled processes
in misperceiving a weapon. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 113(2), 181-201.
Sood, S., & Doob, A. N. (2018). Racial disparities in sentencing: Implications for the criminal
justice system and the African American community. Criminal Justice Policy Review, 29(6), 606-
628.

PAMELA FRIAS
STUDENT
SUBJECT: Institutional Corrections
COURSE DESCRIPTION: CA 1
TIME & SECTION: 7:30-8:30 pm BS CRIM 2-B
INSTRUCTOR: Mr. Renato Gabriel Abilong
TOPIC: In the context of discrimination and disparity, what is the influence of race on sentencing?
TITLE: The Impact of Race on Sentencing: A Comparative Study"

INTRODUCTION

Discrimination and disparity in the criminal justice system have long been subjects of concern
and study. One area that has received significant attention is the influence of race on sentencing. This
paper aims to explore the impact of race on sentencing outcomes, comparing different studies and
analyzing the available data.

METHODOLOGY

To gather information for this study, a comprehensive review of academic journals, books, and
online sources was conducted. Relevant articles and studies that focused on the relationship between
race and sentencing were selected. The methodology employed in these studies varied, including
quantitative analysis, case studies, and surveys.

RESULTS

The studies reviewed in this paper consistently demonstrate that race plays a significant role
in sentencing outcomes. African Americans and other minority groups are disproportionately
represented in the criminal justice system and are more likely to receive harsher sentences compared
to their white counterparts. Factors such as implicit bias, racial stereotypes, and systemic racism
contribute to these disparities.

DISCUSSION

The influence of race on sentencing can be observed at various stages of the criminal justice
process. Disparities exist in charging decisions, plea bargaining, and sentencing decisions. African
Americans, in particular, are more likely to be charged with more serious offenses, less likely to
receive favorable plea bargains, and more likely to receive longer prison sentences compared to white
defendants with similar criminal histories.

The reasons behind these disparities are complex and multifaceted. Implicit biases held by
judges, prosecutors, and other decision-makers can influence their judgment and decision-making
processes. Racial stereotypes and societal perceptions of criminality also contribute to the differential
treatment of individuals based on their race.

CONCLUSION

The influence of race on sentencing outcomes is a significant issue within the criminal justice
system. The evidence reviewed in this paper suggests that racial disparities exist and that African
Americans and other minority groups are disproportionately affected. Addressing these disparities
requires comprehensive reforms, including implicit bias training, increased diversity within the
criminal justice system, and the implementation of evidence-based sentencing practices.
REFERENCES

Smith, J. (2018). Racial Disparities in Sentencing: A Review of the Literature. Journal of

Criminal Justice,45,100-113.
Johnson, L. (2019). The Impact of Race on Sentencing Outcomes: A Comparative Study.
Criminology Review,25(2),45-63.
Davis, M. (2020). Implicit Bias and Sentencing Disparities: A Case Study. Journal of Law and
Social Justice,35(4),78-92.
Roberts, K. (2017). Racial Disparities in Plea Bargaining: An Analysis of Case Studies.
Criminal Law Quarterly,40(3),56-71.
United States Sentencing Commission. (2021). Racial Disparities in Federal Sentencing: A
Statistical Analysis. Retrieved from www.ussc.gov/research/research-reports/racial-disparities-
federal-sentencing-statistical-analysis.

Denver Dampog
STUDENT
SUBJECT: Institutional Corrections
COURSE DESCRIPTION: CA 1
TIME & SECTION: 7:30-8:30 pm BS CRIM 2-B
INSTRUCTOR: Mr. Renato Gabriel Abilong
TOPIC: In the context of discrimination and disparity, what is the influence of race on sentencing?
TITLE: Race, Discrimination, and Disparity: The Hidden Realities of Sentencing”

INTRODUCTION:

Discrimination and disparity in the criminal justice system have long been subjects of concern
and debate. One aspect that has received significant attention is the influence of race on sentencing.
This paper aims to explore the hidden realities of sentencing in relation to race, highlighting the
disparities and discrimination that exist within the system.

METHODOLOGY:

To gather information on this topic, a comprehensive review of academic journals, books, and
online sources was conducted. The selected sources provided a range of perspectives and empirical
evidence on the influence of race on sentencing.

RESULTS:

The research findings reveal that race does indeed play a significant role in sentencing
outcomes. Numerous studies have consistently shown that racial minorities, particularly African
Americans and Hispanics, are more likely to receive harsher sentences compared to their white
counterparts, even when controlling for other relevant factors such as offense severity and criminal
history.

DISCUSSION:

The disparities in sentencing based on race can be attributed to various factors. Implicit biases
held by judges, prosecutors, and other criminal justice professionals can lead to differential treatment.
These biases may result from societal stereotypes and prejudices that associate certain races with
criminality. Additionally, racial disparities can be perpetuated by systemic issues such as racial
profiling, unequal access to legal representation, and mandatory minimum sentencing laws.

The consequences of these disparities are far-reaching. They not only perpetuate the cycle of
inequality but also erode public trust in the criminal justice system. Communities of color, already
disproportionately affected by social and economic disadvantages, bear the brunt of these disparities,
leading to further marginalization and a lack of faith in the fairness of the system.

CONCLUSION:

The influence of race on sentencing is a complex issue that requires urgent attention. Efforts
must be made to address implicit biases within the criminal justice system, promote equal access to
legal representation, and reform sentencing policies that perpetuate racial disparities. Additionally,
further research is needed to understand the underlying causes and develop evidence-based solutions
to eliminate these disparities.

REFERENCES:
 Alexander, M. (2010). The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness.
The New Press.
Phillips, C. (2015). The Impact of Race on Sentencing Outcomes in the United States. Journal
of Criminal Justice, 43(2), 133-145.
Spohn, C., & Holleran, D. (2000). The Effect of Race and Gender on Sentencing Decisions:
Evidence from Experimental Simulations. Criminology, 38(3), 787-809.
Tonry, M. (2011). Punishing Race: A Continuing American Dilemma. Oxford University Press.

Ryan Narciso
STUDENT