An Analysis of Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Case Dispositions and Sentencing Outcomes for Criminal Cases Presented to and Processed by the Office of the San Francisco District Attorney
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-2017
Abstract
In this project, we document and explore the sources of racial and ethnic disparities in outcomes for criminal cases that are presented to and prosecuted by the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office (SFDA). We assess the degree to which racial and ethnic disparities in case outcomes are attributable to characteristics of the cases that are presented to the SFDA (e.g., seriousness of arrest charges and criminal history) in comparison to aspects of case processing that generate disparate impacts. We also explore the extent to which disparities remain after making statistical adjustments for case characteristics and specific case processing aspects, such as pre-trial detention. The study merges administrative data from the SFDA case management system, data on jail admission and release from the San Francisco Sheriff’s Department, and statewide criminal history data from the California Department of Justice.
Recommended Citation
MacDonald, John and Raphael, Steven, "An Analysis of Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Case Dispositions and Sentencing Outcomes for Criminal Cases Presented to and Processed by the Office of the San Francisco District Attorney" (2017). Reports. 13.
https://scholarship.law.upenn.edu/qc_reports/13