NCJ Number
239431
Journal
British Journal of Criminology Volume: 52 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2012 Pages: 93-112
Date Published
January 2012
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This paper reports the findings of an innovative method of ascertaining public opinion about sentencing.
Abstract
This paper reports the findings of an innovative method of ascertaining public opinion about sentencingnamely using jurors in actual cases to explore both the appropriateness of the sentence imposed in the juror's trial and more general views about sentencing levels. Contrasting images of public opinion emerged: a punitive public in relation to general perceptions of leniency and a more merciful public in relation to individual cases. The extent and reasons for this dichotomy are explored, as are differences in levels of satisfaction for different offence types. (Published Abstract)