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Themes in Judges' Sentencing Remarks for Male and Female Domestic Murderers
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Themes in Judges' Sentencing Remarks for Male and Female Domestic Murderers

G. Hall, M. Whittle and C. Field
Psychiatry, Psychology and Law, Vol.23(3), pp.395-412
2016
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Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyse judges’ sentencing remarks in cases of domestic murder. In undertaking a qualitative analysis, the methodology of grounded theory was used, and the data emanating from the judges’ sentencing remarks identified several major themes as discussed in this article. Broadly speaking, the data reflect that women are viewed more harshly than men and receive higher sentences. In addition, judges are distancing male offenders from their responsibility for their violent conduct, rendering them potential candidates for more lenient treatment in terms of sentence. The analysis also reveals that judges frequently rely on stereotypes and traditional notions of marriage, family and femininity in determining an offender’s sentence. These assumptions are embedded in the different set of descriptors used by judges to describe male and female offenders.

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UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#3 Good Health and Well-Being
#16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Source: InCites

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Citation topics
6 Social Sciences
6.110 Law
6.110.588 Sentencing
Web Of Science research areas
Criminology & Penology
Law
Psychiatry
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
ESI research areas
Psychiatry/Psychology
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