Citation

Smith MD. J. Crim. Justice 1987; 15(4): 279-286.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1987, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/0047-2352(87)90015-8

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This work contributes to a growing body of literature by analyzing patterns of capital punishment sentencing in Louisiana during the post-Furman era. The specific focus of the study was to determine whether patterns of discrimination by race continue to persist. A logit model was utilized with data consisting of 504 cases of homicide eligible for capital punishment, fifty-three of which had been assigned the death penalty. Results indicated that a pattern of discrimination by race of victim, but not by race of offender, existed, even when a number of legal and extra-legal factors were controlled. In addition, an effect for sex of the victim was noted. Another pattern found, that of capriciousness, is also discussed.