Offender Race and Support for Problem-Solving Courts for Violent Offenders

• In Event: Race, Judging, and the Courts

Abstract

Problem-solving courts are local-level specialized courts that offer alternatives to incarceration for offenders who suffer from problems such as substance abuse or mental illness (e.g., drug courts, mental health courts, etc.). While a great body of research has found benefits to these courts, less is known about the racial and other identity dimensions of problem-solving courts. Existing scholarship also demonstrates that the racial disparities present in other aspects of the U.S. criminal justice system also apply to problem-solving courts, as Black offenders are disadvantaged by admission decisions and program outcomes. I add to previous literature by looking at whether public support for rehabilitation in a problem-solving court for a specific offender is affected by the offenders’ race. Specifically, previous research shows that the public is more likely to support punishment for violent offenders with specific needs (substance abuse, mental illness, justice-involved veterans) than for such individuals who commit non-violent offenses (Atkin-Plunk and Sloas 2019; Atkin-Plunk 2020). In this survey experiment, I will explore whether offender race affects public support for including violent offenders in different types of problem-solving courts and support for their rehabilitation. In the experiment, I plan to present respondents with an offender charged with a violent crime. Respondents will then be informed that the offender is being considered for admission to a problem-solving court program, along with a brief description of the program and its goals. However, the offender respondents read about will differ on two characteristics: 1) race (i.e., white, Black, no identified race) and 2) underlying need (i.e., suffering from substance abuse; mental illness; having served as a veteran, or having committed domestic violence).

References

Atkin-Plunk, C. A. (2020). Should all violent offenders be treated equally? Perceptions of punishment and rehabilitation for violent offenders with varying attributes. Victims & Offenders, 15(2), 218-242.

Atkin-Plunk, C. A., & Sloas, L. B. (2019). Support for balanced justice and rehabilitation for justice-involved veterans. Criminal Justice Review, 44(2), 165-182.

Author

• Ryan James Williams, University of New England