NCJ Number
99794
Date Published
1984
Length
20 pages
Annotation
A review of the Canadian public's views of crime, the criminal justice system, and sentencing as well as sources of public information about these subjects indicates that public attitudes about criminal justice matters are not based on accurate information, suggesting that rational reform must include public education.
Abstract
The most fundamental issue to be addressed in criminal justice reform is the nature of acts that should be proscribed by the law. The public believes it has a role in determining the scope of the criminal law, but there is no evidence it is aware of the complexities of the issues involved. Public views about the seriousness of Canada's crime problem are based on questionable and limited information. Although professionals measure crime by victimization studies and police statistics on reported crime, the public generally relies on media accounts and personal experience, which are unreliable sources of data for measuring the crime problem. The public tends to overestimate the extent of violent crime, the amount of crime committed by parolees, and the leniency of sentences. Overall, the public does not have regular access to the most reliable criminal justice information; consequently, public views of crime and criminal justice provide flawed input into reform and policymaking decisions. Politicians communicating with the public and the media should present a more accurate and comprehensive perspective of criminal justice issues. 14 references.