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In this article, we examine differential sentencing patterns among black, Hispanic, and white juveniles and the context in which those decisions are made. Using a bivariate probit model, we show that juveniles living in urban counties are more likely to be referred to juvenile court, and that juveniles living in a single-mother household are more likely than juveniles living with both parents to be referred to court and to receive secure placement. Race-specific models indicate that black youths are likely to receive harsh treatments in urban courts; yet white youths are not treated differently on the basis of court location. In addition, living in a single-mother household is a disadvantage for white youths when they are referred and sentenced, but family status is not a determinant for black youths.
An earlier version of this paper was presented at the annual meetings of the American Society of Criminology, held in Boston in November 1995. This study was funded by the College of Social Science at Michigan State University. The authors would like to thank Doug Smith and Peter Manning for their assistance during this project. They are also grateful for the insightful comments made by three anonymous reviewers.
An earlier version of this paper was presented at the annual meetings of the American Society of Criminology, held in Boston in November 1995. This study was funded by the College of Social Science at Michigan State University. The authors would like to thank Doug Smith and Peter Manning for their assistance during this project. They are also grateful for the insightful comments made by three anonymous reviewers.
Notes
An earlier version of this paper was presented at the annual meetings of the American Society of Criminology, held in Boston in November 1995. This study was funded by the College of Social Science at Michigan State University. The authors would like to thank Doug Smith and Peter Manning for their assistance during this project. They are also grateful for the insightful comments made by three anonymous reviewers.
