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AbstractLife sentences without the possibility of parole (LWOP) are an important feature of the modern American penal system, but relatively little research examines the factors that shape the imposition of these sentences. In the federal system, life sentences—all of which are LWOP sentences due to the abolition of federal parole—often result from mandatory minimum sentencing statutes that require life imprisonment. We use USSC data from 2010 to 2017 to investigate the imposition and circumvention of mandatory LWOP sentences in federal court. We consider the role of structural inequalities in defining who is convicted under statutes requiring life sentences and examine who ultimately receives these sentences. We also investigate the unique role that substantial assistance departures play in circumventing mandatory minimum penalties, examine how they potentially contribute to racial inequality in life imprisonment, and assess how these processes differ for drug and non-drug crimes. Our results indicate that almost half of all individuals convicted under statutes requiring LWOP did not receive the mandatory life sentence; moreover, almost all (95%) of those who avoided the mandatory sentence received a substantial assistance departure. We also find that Black, but not Hispanic, offenders are more likely than White offenders to be convicted of an offense carrying a mandatory life sentence, that Black offenders who are eligible for a mandatory life term are more likely than similarly-situated White defendants to actually receive it, and that Black mandatory life offenders are less likely than their White counterparts to benefit from downward departures for providing substantial assistance. We conclude that substantial assistance departures are an important mechanism that prosecutors and judges use to “demandatorize” life sentences and that both mandatory minimums and substantial assistance departures shape patterns of inequality in the federal sentencing process, but we find limited evidence to suggest that these differences are due to the sentencing of federal drug offenses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We investigate the role that neighborhood socioeconomic contexts and defendant mobility patterns play in prosecutorial charge reductions. Methods: Using data from a large sample of criminal defendants prosecuted during 2010 to 2011 in New York County (N = 68,113), we analyze differences in charge reductions for defendants who reside and offend in low- and high-income areas, and for those who traverse socioeconomically divergent neighborhoods when committing crime. Results: Net of individual defendant characteristics, like gender and race, we find that defendants from low-income neighborhoods who offend in high-income locales are significantly less likely to benefit from discretionary charge reductions. Conclusions: Defendant mobility patterns play a key role in defining the social context of criminal punishment. This suggests it is essential to consider both where a defendant resides and where their crime is committed when assessing the role of ecological stereotypes and place-based attributions in criminal court actor decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Explored the dimensionality of responses to the Adult Behavior Checklist-Revised, a screening assessment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHA) in college students. Responses from 317 undergraduates were used, with 8 judges involved in standard setting. Findings show secondary variables that may have clinical implications. (SLD)

Investigates demographic and psychological predictors of 58 older adults' successful adjustment to a nursing home. Findings suggest that demographic variables were not effective predictors of successful adjustment. Perceived self-efficacy accounted for more of the unique variance in adjustment than locus of control. Discusses results in the context of improving resident adjustment. (Author/MKA)

The factor structure of the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (DSM-IV) criteria for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is evaluated in a sample of 1,503 college students. The Adult Behavior Checklist is evaluated as a screening instrument. Results support the extension of ADHD criteria for diagnosis to college students. (Author/EMK)