NCJ Number
105563
Journal
Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology Volume: 77 Issue: 3 Dated: (Fall 1986) Pages: 931-948
Date Published
1986
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This statewide survey of 753 California residents asked them to recommend fair punishments for 6 crimes, ranging from petty theft to homicide, committed by a male first-time offender.
Abstract
The survey was conducted from June 14-22, 1983. Recommended punishments were numerically coded according to severity and compared with sentencing recommendations in the California Penal Code. Results indicate that sentences recommended by respondents were remarkably similar to those in the Code. For the crimes of armed robbery, rape, and second degree murder, respondents tended to be slightly less punitive than the Code. An examination of respondent demographic characteristics found major group differences only for armed robbery. Those over 60-years-old were less punitive than those younger. Hispanic and white subjects were significantly more punitive than were Asian and black subjects. Females and married persons were more punitive than males and those of other marital status. Subjects in the highest income category were more punitive than those in the lowest, and those at the highest occupational and education levels were more punitive than those at lower levels. 40 footnotes.