NCJ Number
142881
Date Published
1993
Length
31 pages
Annotation
A new national opinion survey reveals that the public may be ready for a policy change regarding capital punishment, because more people would choose life sentences without parole plus restitution to the victim's family over the death penalty for first-degree murder.
Abstract
However, most people, including many serving on juries in capital cases, are unaware that such lengthy sentences are not being regularly applied in most States. The survey results came from a bipartisan public opinion poll conducted by the Democratic polling firm of Greenberg/Lake and the Republican Tarrance Group. The interviews with 1,000 registered voters revealed that support for capital punishment declines to under 50 percent when voters are offered a variety of alternative sentences, including a life sentence with no parole for at least 25 years plus mandatory restitution. Many, including jurors serving in capital cases, did not realize that 45 States and the Federal government now use such sentences. Findings reveal that Americans are seeking alternatives to capital punishment because of their grave doubts about the recurrent problems associated with this ultimate punishment. Figures, appended methodological information, and 85 references