A new study published in the American Journal of Criminal Justice reveals that the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, had a significant impact on how prosecutors handled firearm-related cases in Broward County. The study, conducted by a team of researchers from Florida International University and the University of Massachusetts Lowell, found that prosecutors adopted a more punitive stance in the aftermath of the shooting, demonstrating a shift in prosecutorial discretion.
Using ten years of data (January 2011 to December 2020) from the Broward County State Attorney’s Office, the research team examined the decision-making process for firearm-related offenses eligible for mandatory minimum sentencing under Florida’s 10-20-Life law.
“The Parkland mass shooting did not appear to influence the overall filing of firearm-related cases or plea bargains,” said lead author Stewart J. D’Alessio, professor at Florida International University’s Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice. “However, our findings suggest that prosecutors became more reluctant to dismiss cases, reduce charges, or negotiate lenient plea deals for firearm offenders after the tragedy.”
According to the study, the most significant changes in prosecutorial behavior included a decrease in nolle prossed (dismissed) cases and a reduction in charge modifications at various points in the judicial process. This shift suggests that prosecutors became more cautious about appearing lenient in cases involving firearms, likely due to heightened public scrutiny and political pressure following the highly publicized shooting.
“Our research highlights the far-reaching consequences of high-profile violent events,” added D’Alessio. “While media and public pressure can influence prosecutorial behavior, it raises important questions about the consistency and fairness of justice administration.”
The study also examined whether similar changes were observed in the prosecution of non-firearm-related crimes, such as motor vehicle theft, but found no comparable shift. This suggests that the increased prosecutorial strictness was specifically tied to firearm offenses, rather than broader changes in criminal justice policy.
The findings contribute to a growing body of research on how external factors, including media attention and political considerations, shape prosecutorial discretion. The authors recommend further exploration of how high-profile crimes influence judicial decision-making across different jurisdictions and political environments.