Legislation regarding penalty severity and control over punishment raises questions about the effect of potential penalties on verdicts. Experimental evidence from previous studies is mixed and subject to debate over the worth of simulations. In this study it was expected that the effect of penalties on verdicts would depend on strength of…

This study of 13 cases assessed the extent to which prosecution of child sexual abuse was successfully resumed against defendants terminated from a treatment program for noncompliance in Sacramento, California. Results indicated that convictions were obtained against persons initially diverted to treatment and that sentences received were…

Investigates whether the victim-offender relationship plays a role in determining the original charge, crime conviction, and sentence length of inmates in prison for violent crimes. Results indicate the victim-offender relationship is related to the legal processing in paradoxical ways. Thus, although nonstranger offenders are charged with and…