Paying for the Past

Paying for the Past examines the neglected but critically important topic of sentence enhancements based on prior convictions in the United States. Most sentenced offenders have a prior record, and in many cases that record carries more weight at sentencing than the new crime being punished. Drawing on empirical data and rules from a number of jurisdictions, Richard S. Frase and Julian V. Roberts assess the use of prior record enhancements, their justification, and how they contribute to racial disparities and mass incarceration.