NCJ Number
153452
Journal
Journal of Crime and Justice Volume: 17 Issue: 2 Dated: (1994) Pages: 69-91
Date Published
1994
Length
23 pages
Annotation
Symbolism in the public statements of the past six presidents of the United States and the first 2 years of the Bush administration about crime is identified and compared to a recent study that evaluates symbolism in civil rights policies.
Abstract
The analysis of presidential communications showed that speeches conveyed more information than simply the ideas articulated in the messages themselves. Speeches represented important sources of information about the president, the presidential office in general, and the policy issue at hand. A great deal of symbolism existed in presidential language toward criminal justice issues. This symbolism, however, was not similar to that in other domestic policy arenas and it was not consistent with expected patterns. Many presidential communications did not contain policy statements. Some presidents used symbolism more frequently than others, including Carter and Ford. Democrats showed greater attention to criminal justice than Republicans. The first and last years of a president's term had the most symbolism and re-election years the least. Policy statements were longest during the first years in office and shortest during the last years. In general, presidents were more conservative in their proposals on crime control and advocated punishment rather than treatment of criminal offenders. Presidents used more symbolism when discussing criminal justice than when discussing civil rights. In terms of substantive criminal justice policy, the findings on symbolism in presidential statements indicate a lack of tangible action by the Federal Government to work toward reducing the amount of criminal behavior in the United States. 31 references and 4 tables