NCJ Number
230698
Journal
Canadian Journal of Criminology and Criminal Justice Volume: 52 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2010 Pages: 173-201
Date Published
April 2010
Length
29 pages
Annotation
This study examined how age and gender of the depicted minor (Study 1) and offender (Study 2) influenced university students' perceptions of the offense of possession of child pornography.
Abstract
A total of 492 participants rated perceived offense severity, appropriate sentence, probability of child pornography reoffense, probability of past and future sexual contact with a minor, and probability that the offender is a pedophile. In Study 1, the possession offense was rated as more severe if the depicted minor was younger, irrespective of the minor's gender. In Study 2, age and gender of the offender had no effect on perceptions of offense severity, but male offenders were considered to be at higher risk for committing a future child pornography offense. In both studies, participants rated the offense as more severe if they believed the offender was likely a pedophile. The study findings indicate a divergence between lay perceptions and the empirical evidence relating to child pornography offenders. The authors discuss potential implication on public policy, law, and research. Table, figure, and references (Published Abstract)