The Forgotten Female Offender *

Abstract

Until recently the female offender was generally overlooked by an overwhelmingly male-dominated criminal justice system. Information derived from an extensive search of the literature illustrates the dramatic increase of female crime; it further suggests the potential for modifying the sexist nature of the criminal justice system. Questions are raised about some popular misconceptions pertaining to the data. A review of the history of women's involvement as subjects of the criminal justice system in general, and correction in particular, reveals disparate treatment for men and women throughout that process. Both positive and negative effects of this orientation are examined.

The article then focuses on rehabilitation. Attention is directed to particular suggestions for reform, leading to a postulation of new directions in treatment of the female offender.