A Closer Look at the Individual and Joint Effects of Gender and Race on Juvenile Justice Decision Making

Abstract

Using the intersectional perspective and results from prior research, the individual and combination relationships of gender and race with juvenile justice decision making are examined in one jurisdiction in a Midwestern state. Results reveal that both gender and race, individually and jointly, influence case outcomes net relevant legal and extralegal considerations. These relationships involve receiving both more severe and more lenient outcomes and point to the variable effects of gender and race in juvenile justice proceedings.