Define, discuss, compare, and contrast sentencing disparity and sentencing discrimination. What ...

Discriminatory sentencing arises due to discretionary decision making based on extralegal considerations such as race, ethnicity, gender, and social class. Numerous studies have probed the extent to which these extralegal variables improperly influence sentencing outcomes. The results from these studies are mixed. Disparity refers to inconsistencies in sentencing resulting from the decision-making process. There is disparity in the sentences given to defendants in different states due to differences in state laws. In addition, researchers also acknowledge that differences in judicial backgrounds and attitudes contribute to disparate sentencing outcomes.