Assessing Public Support For Three-Strikes-And-You'Re-Out Laws: Global Versus Specific Attitudes

    Authors

    B. K. Applegate; F. T. Cullen; M. G. Turner;J. L. Sundt

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Crime Delinq.

    Keywords

    PUNISHMENT; OFFENDERS; SANCTIONS; SEVERITY; VIEW; Criminology & Penology

    Abstract

    In the recent movement to pass ''three-strikes-and-you're-out'' laws, policymakers often cite opinion polls that ostensibly show widespread public support for these initiatives. Our community survey, however reveals that support for three-strikes laws is high when citizens are asked broad single-item questions, but diminishes greatly when citizens are presented with specific situations covered under the law. Further; the public appears willing to make exceptions to three-strikes laws. Taken together; these findings suggest that citizens would endorse three-strikes policies that focus on only the most serious offenders and that allow for flexible application.

    Journal Title

    Crime & Delinquency

    Volume

    42

    Issue/Number

    4

    Publication Date

    1-1-1996

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    517

    Last Page

    534

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:A1996VJ27600002

    ISSN

    0011-1287

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