Sentencing Bias Against Lesbian and Gay Criminal Offenders

Abstract:

Sentencing bias has been explored for a myriad of factors such as race, sex, and mental health, but not for LGBTQ+ identity. Considering such bias has been demonstrated to exist for some labels, it must be examined for different LGBTQ+ identities. Using a series of vignettes that address different crimes, this study seeks to identify any sentencing bias against lesbian and gay individuals. Results do not support the existence of such bias but do show higher recommended punitive sanctions against male offenders and against those with female victims.