Parole Guidelines and the Red uction of Sentenci ng Disparity

Abstract

This paper reviews the arguments and supporting research bearing on the question of the reduction of sentencing disparity by parole boards. Some new data are then offered as a preliminary examination of whether parole boards, operating under explicit decision guidelines, achieve a substantial sentence equalization function. The data strongly suggest a considerable reduction in disparity and, when read in light of previous research, imply a guidelines ef fect. These results are then discussed in the context of alternative methods that have been proposed to achieve more equitable sanctions.