Use these discussion questions that accompany the readings in the text/reader, for further exploration and understanding of concepts.

1. Why is it important to study the processing of female offenders at each stage of the criminal justice system, versus just during the final disposition?
2. How do prosecutors and judges use their discretion to give preferential or chivalrous treatment toward women?
3. Which legal and extralegal factors appear to have the greatest impact on the processing of females? Which variables indicate preferential treatment of women in unexpected ways?
4. How do women in foreign countries benefit from chivalrous treatment?