The Effects of Race on Plea Bargaining and Charge ReductionsJohn, Catherine RacePlea BargainCharge ReductionGuilty PleaVictimDefendantHomicideCriminologyB AThe interaction between race and the justice system is one that is troubling in nature. For this study, I analyzed the relationship between both defendant and victim race, plea bargaining, and charge reductions. To do so, I utilized data compiled by students and faculty at The Pennsylvania State University comprising all Pennsylvania homicide cases between the years 2012 to 2016. The major findings of this study are that the odds of Black defendants pleading guilty are less than those of white defendants, which aligns with previous literature. Additionally, the odds of cases with Hispanic defendants having a first degree to third degree murder charge reduction are greater than those of white defendants. This study calls for further qualitative research to gain a deeper understanding of the causes behind these results.Jeffrey Todd Ulmer, Thesis SupervisorGary J Adler, Jr., Thesis Honors Advisoropen_access2025-03-23T23:07:41Zhttps://honors.libraries.psu.edu/catalog/9589cbj5299