Study: Guidelines erase discrimination in sentencing

(AP) - A study out Thursday says Michigan sentencing guidelines virtually erase discrimination in criminal punishments.

The National Center for State Courts studied guidelines in Michigan, Minnesota and Virginia.

The study concludes the guidelines in all three states result in consistent sentences that generally aren't influenced by race and economic status.

The sentencing guidelines movement that began in the 1970s was aimed at wiping out racial discrimination.

At least 20 states and the District of Columbia now use them.

Virginia's guidelines are voluntary, Minnesota's are mostly mandatory and Michigan's are in between.