| Utilizing a random sample of 455 domestic violence cases processed through the Sacramento County Court System in 1995/96, this paper tests the impact of racial/ethnic dyads on prosecutorial decision-making while controlling for legal variables. Three outcome measures were identified: the decision to file criminal charges versus case rejection; the decision to file felony versus misdemeanor charges; and the decision to fully prosecute versus case dismissal. Victim arrest, hospital treatment, availability of witnesses and defendant substance use were significantly related to the decision to file criminal charges. Indicators of prior record and offense severity were significantly related to the decision to file felony versus misdemeanor charges. Victim cooperation, severity of injury and defendant substance use at the time of offense all attained significance in their impact on the decision to fully prosecute. Racial/ethnic dyads had no statistically significant impact on any of these decision points. Previous research suggesting that court systems may view black on black violence morel leniently (particularly between individuals with a prior relationship) is therefore not supported for this offense in this jurisdiction. Possible explanations for this finding are explored. |
Updated 05/20/2006