Sentencing decisions around quantity thresholds: theory and experiment

0549850 - NHÚ 2022 RIV CZ eng V - Výzkumná zpráva
Drápal, Jakub - Šoltés, Michal
Sentencing decisions around quantity thresholds: theory and experiment.
Prague: CERGE-EI, 2021. 50 s. CERGE-EI Working Paper Series, 715. ISSN 1211-3298
Grant CEP: GA ČR(CZ) GA19-15077S
GRANT EU: European Commission(XE) 678081 - INATTENTION
Institucionální podpora: RVO:67985998 ; RVO:68378122
Klíčová slova: sentencing * quantity threshold * sentencing disparities
Obor OECD: Applied Economics, Econometrics
https://www.cerge-ei.cz/pdf/wp/Wp715.pdf

We study the implications of the structure of criminal codes on sentencing decisions. To limit sentencing disparities, criminal codes typically divide offenses into subsections with specific sentencing ranges. The classification into corresponding subsections often depends on exceeding a given quantity threshold, such as drug amount. We study the consequences of these quantity thresholds on sentencing decisions and argue that the threshold effect can be decomposed into two opposing mechanisms: the severity mechanism and the reference one. An experiment with Czech prosecutors shows that thresholds drive substantial increases in sentences, leading to sentencing disparities. We further introduce empirical measures of (in)justice and quantify the consequences of quantity thresholds on the probability of imposing a just sentence.
Trvalý link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0325750