Are We Doing Better? The Implications of Race, Sex, and Geographic Factors Associated with Sentence Length for Marijuana Charges

Abstract

As marijuana use is becoming recreationally legalized, and decriminalized across the United States, there has been ongoing questioning as to why many Marijuana related charges have extensive sentencing. This dissertation examined different factors that potentially contribute to sentence length for marijuana charges such as race, sex, and geographical locations. This dissertation aimed to identify how influential these factors are in sentencing for marijuana related charges through use of a Hierarchical Linear Model analyses framed through the lens of Critical Race Theory and Social Constructivism Theory. The researcher hopes to continue the conversation of how policies both old and new need to have ongoing analysis to ensure there is no bias rooted in decision making and that all policies are fair and just.