Sentencing decisions around quantity thresholds: theory and experiment

Result code in IS VaVaI
<a href="https://www.isvavai.cz/riv?ss=detail&h=RIV%2F68378122%3A_____%2F21%3A00549850" target="_blank" >RIV/68378122:_____/21:00549850 - isvavai.cz</a>
Alternative codes found
RIV/67985998:_____/21:00549850
Result on the web
<a href="https://www.cerge-ei.cz/pdf/wp/Wp715.pdf" target="_blank" >https://www.cerge-ei.cz/pdf/wp/Wp715.pdf</a>
DOI - Digital Object Identifier
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Result language
angličtina
Original language name
Sentencing decisions around quantity thresholds: theory and experiment
Original language description
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.
Czech name
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Czech description
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Project
<a href="/en/project/GA19-15077S" target="_blank" >GA19-15077S: Sentencing disparities in the post-communist continental legal systems</a><br>
Continuities
I - Institucionalni podpora na dlouhodoby koncepcni rozvoj vyzkumne organizace

Publication year
2021
Confidentiality
S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů

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