Decoupling the Labeling Tradition: Exploring Gang Affiliation and the Application of Law

Scholars have tested Becker’s master status thesis on criminal justice system outcomes, yet have been unable to disentangle the label from behavioral characteristics. To clarify the effects of labels, we used archival juvenile court data to test Becker’s master status through the effects of gang aff...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Caudill, Jonathan Wendell 1977- (Author) ; DeLisi, Matt (Author) ; Diamond, Brie (Author) ; Karas, Stephanie (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Published: 2017
In: Youth violence and juvenile justice
Year: 2017, Volume: 15, Issue: 4, Pages: 343-358
Online Access: Volltext (Resolving-System)
Check availability: HBZ Gateway
Keywords:
Case Disposition
Juvenile Court
juvenile justice
Labeling
Master Status
Prosecution
Description
Summary:Scholars have tested Becker’s master status thesis on criminal justice system outcomes, yet have been unable to disentangle the label from behavioral characteristics. To clarify the effects of labels, we used archival juvenile court data to test Becker’s master status through the effects of gang affiliation on case disposition. Stratified multivariate regression models revealed consistent effects of predictors—mental health needs, offenses per case, felony offense, and pretrial detention—on case referral to juvenile court across the gang-affiliated demarcation. The static effects of legal predictors across the gang demarcation levy questions about the legal consequences of labels.
ISSN:1556-9330
DOI:10.1177/1541204016689492