NCJ Number
169233
Journal
Canadian Journal of Criminology Volume: 39 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1997) Pages: 27-50
Date Published
1997
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This study examined the Canadian public's perceptions of the appropriate use of fines and examined the cultural ideology of punishment and money.
Abstract
A total of 120 persons approached in outdoor public places in Toronto responded to a questionnaire that solicited their views on the use of fines in Canada. Although the recruitment method did not produce a representative group of Canadians, the sample was heterogeneous. It was composed of 46.7 percent males and 53.3 percent females, ranging in ages from 18 to over 60 years old. All were Canadian residents and came from a variety of economic backgrounds. The questions focused on respondents' perception of fines compared to imprisonment and the appropriateness of fines for a variety of offenses. The survey focused on the appropriateness of fines for 12 offenses, including five property offenses, four violent offenses, two drug offenses, and a driving offense. respondents generally accepted the substitution of fines for imprisonment for property offenses; however, no matter how severe, fines were not viewed as appropriate for minor violent or sexual offenses. The findings suggest that when denunciation is desired, fines are not viewed as appropriate to accomplish this goal in sentencing. Both the severity and the social and cultural contexts of penalties need to be explored. The findings suggest that sanctions must be multidimensional when planning sentencing reform. 4 tables, 12 notes, and 31 references