Work

Sentencing terrorist leaders and their followers: Evidence from Islamic State defendants in U.S. Federal courts, 2014–2024

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Hundreds of leaders and followers of violent extremist organisations have been prosecuted and sentenced in U.S. federal courts. But case outcomes vary widely. In this study, we argue that leaders may receive more severe sentences than followers through three unique, non-compacting mechanisms: proportional accountability, headhunting, and/or deterrence. Evidence comes from a mixed-method study, based on original data collected from court documents associated with over 200 Islamic State-affiliated defendants in U.S. federal courts from 2014 to 2024. We find a discernible 'leader effect', which is substantiated by a content analysis of these documents. The results carry implications for theory and practice.

Source: Global Crime

DOI: 10.1080/17440572.2025.2467702

Authors: Callie Vitro, Camden Carmichael, Austin C. Doctor, Seamus Hughes

Institution: University of Nebraska at Omaha

Language: English

Topic: Terrorism, Counterterrorism, and Political Violence

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: green

Funder: U.S. Department of Homeland Security