Women offenders, disparate treatment, and criminal justice: a theoretical, historical, and contemporary overview

Feminist scholars have criticized the mistreatment of female offenders by the criminal justice system. While current empirical research supports this proposition, a summary of existing literature is necessary to highlight patterns and themes and reiterate the importance of continuing to focus on the plight of female offenders. The current review synthesizes theoretical, historical, and contemporary feminist criminological and criminal justice literature on the gendered and disparate treatment of women offenders in criminal justice. Practical implications and policy relevant solutions are proposed as we look to the future of women and criminal justice.