Reevaluation of published research on racial bias in criminal sentencing, and data on execution rates (1930-67) and death sentencing rates (1967-78), contradict a hypothesis of overt discrimination against Black defendants. One possible explanation of relatively lenient sentencing of Black defendants is the devalued status of Black crime victims.…

Data from Florida from 1976-77 show that those accused of murdering Whites are more likely to be sentenced to death than those accused of murdering Blacks. If victim's race is controlled, however, data do not clearly support the hypothesis that defendant's race is strongly associated with imposition of the death penalty. (Author/GC)

According to National Crime Survey estimate, almost three million students, faculty, staff, and visitors were crime victims while in school or on school property during 1987. Thefts accounted for 2.5 million acts, declining from 3.2 million in 1982. Despite a declining school-age population, violent crimes have increased. A 1989 study is planned…

Over 50% of 219 K-12 teachers surveyed felt that overall school discipline was slightly or much worse than 10 years ago. Data on size of school, student population (urban, suburban, or rural), teacher sex, teacher age, grade level taught, use of corporal punishment, and out-of-school suspensions are also analyzed. (JDD)

A survey of 339 teachers (grades K-12) found lack of motivation and poor parental support to be the biggest discipline problems. Nearly 90 percent worked with a stated/written discipline policy. Approximately 75 percent believed that corporal punishment should continue. Verbal reprimands were the most common behavior change method used. (VW)

Provides statistical data and state rankings related to day-care center enrollment and financial support. Includes data on population, state expenditures, child care, corporal punishment, poverty, working parents, family income, single parent families, teen births, church-operated centers, and educational attainment. (PAM)