NCJ Number
227249
Journal
European Journal on Criminal Policy and Research Volume: 15 Issue: 1-2 Dated: 2009 Pages: 63-81
Date Published
2009
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This study examined the penal attitudes within the public, the legislation and sentencing, and the criminal justice system in Germany.
Abstract
International criminology has increasingly focused parts of its research on whether there has been a rise in punitiveness in certain nations, and, if so, to what extent it is linked to social developments. The spread of globalization and its corresponding fears may be a possible influencing factor. Results show a tendency of slightly rising harshness for the population's attitudes toward punitiveness, and in terms of legislation, the criminal laws have become harsher over the last decades. More statutory definitions of offenses have been established, while comparable measures of decriminalization have declined. In this respect, Germany seems to have taken a similar direction alongside other Western European countries such as the Netherlands or Great Britain. However, the attitudes towards punishment in the German population, as well as the justice system remain open-minded towards rehabilitative approaches and alternatives to punishment. Data were collected for 336 inhabitants of Freiburg, Germany using a questionnaire in 2005 and 2006. Figures and references