ARE RACE AND AGE THE FACTORS THAT DRIVE THE DECISION MAKING WITHIN THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM IN INDIANA?

Abstract

The objective of this research is to replicate an Iowa Study regarding Disproportionate Minority Confinement (DMC). (DMC) tracking requirements are the result of a study conducted by Huizinga and Elliott done (1987) which reported that “African-American kids were apprehended and charged more often in serious crimes, than white youth who were involved in the same type of offenses.” We are analyzing data from the 92 counties in Indi-ana to find out if race and age are in fact contributing factors that determine whether or not youth are committed to secure confinement. Our research will be based on two questions: Does race increase the likelihood for African American youth to receive a harsher sentence? Does the age discount (where younger kids are less likely confined) apply equally among the sub-groups? The Iowa study concluded that race and age did play a major role in the Juvenile Justice Decision making process in Iowa. The results of this study will be submitted for publication to some of the leading Criminal Jus-tice journals.