Jacqueline G. Lee published an article in the Nov. 25 edition of the journal Criminal Justice Policy Review.
“Race, Ethnicity, and Trial Avoidance: A Multilevel Analysis” uses hierarchical linear modeling to find that black criminal defendants are more likely than whites to go to trial rather than receive other case disposition. This is concerning given that research also consistently finds trial sentences to be harsher than those obtained via pleas. Results suggest that black defendants are less often able or willing to avoid a trial, which highlights and perhaps helps to explain racial disparities in final sentencing outcomes.
The article was co-authored with Rebecca L. Richardson of Florida International University.